In a tragic incident on February 12, an 80-year-old passenger passed away at Mumbai airport after suffering a heart attack due to the unavailability of a wheelchair. The passenger, who arrived on an Air India flight from New York, collapsed after allegedly walking 1.5 km as a wheelchair was not provided.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken stringent action against Air India, imposing a hefty fine of ₹30 lakh for its failure to ensure an adequate number of wheelchairs at Mumbai airport. This violation of civil aviation requirements has led to grave consequences, prompting the regulatory body to take decisive measures.
In addition to the fine, the DGCA has issued a stern advisory to all airlines, emphasizing the critical need to maintain a sufficient supply of wheelchairs for passengers requiring assistance. This directive aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and underscores the paramount importance of passenger safety and convenience.
While the DGCA has taken swift action, an official statement from Air India regarding the incident and the imposed fine is still pending. The airline’s response to this regulatory action will shed further light on the steps taken to address the lapses in wheelchair provision and ensure accountability.
Despite receiving a show cause notice and an opportunity to rectify the situation, Air India failed to demonstrate compliance with civil aviation regulations. The airline’s inability to provide a wheelchair to the elderly passenger, despite his urgent need, underscores a serious lapse in operational procedures.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role airlines play in ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers, especially those with mobility issues. The aviation industry must prioritize accessibility and implement robust measures to accommodate passengers’ needs effectively.