Aviation regulator DGCA has issued a show cause notice to Tata group airline company Air India on Friday over the wheelchair incident with an 80-year-old passenger at Mumbai airport. In fact, an 80-year-old passenger in Mumbai collapsed and died while walking from the plane to the terminal when he could not find a wheelchair. According to PTI news, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had sought a report from Air India on the incident.
The airline has to respond to the notice within seven days.
According to the news, the airline has been asked to respond to the show cause notice issued by DGCA within seven days. The regulator has also directed all airlines to ensure that adequate number of wheelchairs are available for passengers who require assistance while boarding or deboarding the aircraft during their travel. The regulator says airlines are mandated to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
What does the airline say
Air India said Babu Patel died on arrival on AI-116 flight from New York on February 12. Babu Patel (80 years) came with his wife Narmadaben Patel (76 years). Both the passengers had booked wheelchairs. Passengers were requested to wait as there was high demand for wheelchairs. A wheelchair was available and Patel decided to start walking in the wheelchair with his wife. While walking, Patel fell near the APHO office.
Then, a doctor from MIAL was called and after examining the passenger, it was decided to administer CPR and hospitalize the passenger. The passenger was taken to Nanavati Hospital in MIAL ambulance and after examination, the doctor at the hospital said that the passenger did not survive. Earlier in the day, Air India said that due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, it had requested the passenger to wait for an airline staff-assisted wheelchair, but he opted to walk with his spouse.
The airline said it is in constant touch with the bereaved family members, necessary assistance is being provided, and said it has a clearly laid down policy of providing wheelchair assistance to all passengers who make pre-bookings.
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