New Delhi: An 80-year-old man collapsed and passed away at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport while walking from the aircraft to the terminal, having opted to proceed without a wheelchair due to high demand. The passenger, arriving from New York on an Air India flight, had requested assistance, but it was unavailable.
The Directorate ’eneral of Civil Aviation, citing the mandatory requirement for airlines to assist individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility, has issued a show-cause notice to Air India. The airline is instructed to respond within seven days regarding the incident.
In response, Air India stated that a wheelchair had been provided for the passenger’s wife, and the staff had requested him to wait while arranging another one. However, he chose to walk to the terminal alongside his wife.
“One of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on 12th February fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was in 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,” Air India said.
After the collapse, the airport’s medical team promptly attended to the passenger, swiftly transporting him to a nearby hospital, where, regrettably, he was pronounced dead.
“As advised by the airport doctor attending to him after taking ill, the passenger was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared to have passed away,” the airline said.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued guidance to all airlines, instructing them to ensure an ample supply of wheelchairs for passengers in need of assistance during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.