In a stern regulatory response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a hefty fine of Rs.30 lakh on Air India for its failure to provide an adequate number of wheelchairs at Mumbai airport, leading to the tragic death of an 80-year-old passenger earlier this month. The DGCA’s decisive action, rooted in the Aircraft Rules, 1937, underscores the gravity of the airline’s violation of civil aviation requirements (CAR). The DGCA’s statement elucidated, “A financial penalty of Rs.30 lakh has been imposed on Air India for violating the provisions of the aforementioned CAR. 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 incident in question occurred on February 12 when the elderly passenger, arriving from New York with his wife on an Air India flight, tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack at Mumbai airport. The absence of a wheelchair allegedly compelled him to walk 1.5 km, exacerbating his medical condition. In response to a show cause notice issued by the DGCA, Air India submitted its reply on February 20, contending that the passenger, accompanied by his wheelchair-bound wife, chose to walk rather than wait for an additional wheelchair. However, the DGCA found the airline’s response lacking in demonstrating compliance with CAR regulations, as it failed to provide any wheelchair to the elderly passenger.
The regulator emphasised that Air India did not communicate any corrective measures taken against the responsible employee(s) and neglected to outline preventive actions to avoid similar incidents in the future. This substantial fine serves as a pivotal moment in the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring passenger well-being. The DGCA’s advisory to all airlines reinforces the imperative of maintaining a sufficient inventory of wheelchairs to assist passengers with specific needs, emphasising the shared responsibility of the aviation industry in safeguarding the travel experience for all passengers.