DELHI, Feb 29: Air India has been fined Rs3 million for failing to provide wheelchair assistance to an 80-year-old passenger who collapsed and died after walking from the plane to the terminal at Mumbai airport. The incident, which occurred on February 12, involved a passenger named Patel, who had booked two wheelchairs for himself and his 76-year-old spouse. However, upon disembarkation from Air India flight AI-116 from New York, only one wheelchair was available, forcing Patel to walk alongside his wife, who used the lone wheelchair.

Following an investigation, a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official stated that Air India had violated rules regarding assistance for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility. As a result, a financial penalty of Rs3 million was imposed on Air India under the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Air India responded to the incident on February 20, 2024, stating that the elderly passenger chose to walk alongside his wife, who was in a wheelchair, rather than wait for another wheelchair. However, the DGCA found that Air India failed to comply with the rules by not providing a wheelchair to the elderly passenger. Additionally, the airline did not report any actions taken against the responsible employee(s) or provide details of corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In light of this incident, an advisory has been issued to all airlines to ensure an adequate number of wheelchairs are available for passengers who require assistance during embarkation or disembarkation.