Air India Slapped with Rs 30 Lakh Fine by DGCA for Failure to Provide Wheelchair Leading to Passenger’s Death
Mumbai, 29th February 2024: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India for its failure to provide a wheelchair to an 80-year-old passenger who subsequently collapsed and died at Mumbai Airport on February 12. The passenger had requested a wheelchair upon arrival, but due to purported “heavy demand,” Air India allegedly asked him to wait. Opting to walk instead, the passenger collapsed during the immigration process and passed away.
The DGCA investigation found Air India in violation of regulations that mandate providing wheelchair assistance to individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility. Air India asserted that the passenger chose to walk with his wife, but the DGCA emphasized the airline’s obligation to provide a wheelchair regardless of the passenger’s initial decision.
The DGCA, in response, imposed a Rs 30 lakh penalty on Air India and issued an advisory to all airlines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sufficient wheelchair availability for passengers requiring assistance during travel. The DGCA also criticized Air India for not disclosing any action taken against the responsible employee(s) or submitting corrective measures to prevent similar incidents.
In a separate incident, a close call transpired at Mumbai airport as an Air Astana aircraft mistakenly entered the active runway where an Air India aircraft was in the process of taking off. The incident occurred in the afternoon of February 22, when the A320 aircraft, destined for Almaty, took a wrong turn and entered the runway. Simultaneously, an Air India A319 aircraft was preparing to take off for Doha on the same runway.
Fortunately, the vigilant Air India pilots observed the Air Astana aircraft entering the runway and promptly aborted the takeoff. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated an inquiry into the incident.
