DGCA Issues Notice To Air India Following Demise Of Passenger Due To Wheelchair Shortage
Air India, which is now owned by the Tata Group, has been issued a show cause notice by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for violating aircraft rules and failing to comply with provisions. The DGCA has asked the airline to submit a response within seven days of receiving the notice.
The notice was issued after an 80-year-old passenger of Air India collapsed and died at Mumbai airport on 12 February. According to media reports, there was a shortage of wheelchairs, with only one available between the husband and his wife. The husband decided to walk to the terminal, which was 1.5 km away from the aeroplane, behind his wife and her attendant. However, he collapsed and died upon reaching the immigration desk.
The passenger was immediately rushed to Nanavati for treatment but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“In an unfortunate incident, one of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on 12 February 2024 fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was on a wheelchair. Due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, we had requested the passenger to wait till he was also provided with wheelchair assistance but he opted to walk along with his spouse," said Air India in a statement.
The airline added that the passenger was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared to have passed away.
Following the incident, DGCA has issued notices 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.
