The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined Air India Rs 30 lakh following an incident involving the refusal to offer wheelchair assistance to an 80-year-old passenger at Mumbai airport, who later collapsed and died while walking from the aircraft to the terminal, reported PTI. 

According to the report, the incident happened on February 12 during the arrival of Air India flight AI-116 from New York at Mumbai airport. Despite the geriatric having booked two wheelchairs for himself and his 76-year-old wife, only one wheelchair was available upon disembarkation. This left him to walk alongside his wife, who was assisted by the lone wheelchair.

In response, Air India stated that the elderly passenger chose to walk alongside his wife rather than wait for another wheelchair. However, the airline failed to demonstrate compliance with CAR regulations by not providing a wheelchair to the elderly passenger.

The report quoted a senior DGCA official stating that Air India was issued a Show Cause Notice for not complying with the provisions of Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) regulations regarding the carriage of persons with disabilities. Consequently, a financial penalty of Rs 30 lakh has been imposed on Air India for violating the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Reportedly, the official also added that Air India had not reported any disciplinary action taken against the responsible employee(s) nor submitted any measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

“Further, Air India did not inform about any action taken by the airline against the erring employee(s) and the airline also failed to submit any corrective actions taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future,” the official said.

Additionally, an advisory has been issued to all airlines to ensure an adequate number of wheelchairs are available for passengers requiring assistance during embarking or disembarking, the PTI report stated. 

“An advisory has also been issued to all airlines to ensure that an adequate number of wheelchairs are available for passengers who require assistance during embarking or disembarking from the aircraft during their journey,” the official said.

With PTI inputs

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