It has been about 2 weeks since we heard the news of an elderly Air India passenger dying because of collapsing after walking to the Mumbai Airport terminal from the flight. This unfortunate accident shocked everyone and stirred conversation and criticism. Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation slapped a fine on the airline. Here’s all you need to know about the incident and the penalty.
Here’s Why DGCA Fined Air India
It was on February 16 when the 80-year-old passenger collapsed during the immigration process and died after the airline could not provide a wheelchair for him to reach the terminal. He requested a wheelchair but there were not enough ones available. The airline asked him to wait. The news of the non-availability of wheelchairs turned out to be a major one and now Air India has been fined. DGCA imposed a fine of ₹30 lakhs as per Aircraft Rules, 1937, following the unfortunate incident.
This much-talked-about matter has been investigated. A Show Cause Notice has also been issued to Air India as the airline did not comply with the provisions of the CAR SECTION 3, SERIES ‘M’, PART I on “Carriage by Air – Persons with Disability (Divyangjan) and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility” that is a violation of Aircraft Rules, 1937, according to the DGCA statement.
Next on February 20, Air India responded to the matter. The airline mentioned how it was the 80-year-old’s decision to not wait for a wheelchair and walk away from there. He was at the airport along with his wife and she was in a wheelchair as well. This response was not enough because they could not present compliance with the CAR as they didn’t give a wheelchair. Along with all these, the airline also failed to provide any update on steps and actions taken so that any similar incident does not take place again.
Also read: Top Airlines Like IndiGo & Air India Hesitant To Shift To Navi Mumbai Airport, But Why?
DGCA Issued An Advisory As Well
Along with the penalty, DGCA also stated about issuing an advisory. According to it, all the airlines need to ensure that enough wheelchairs are available for all the passengers needing help and assistance while “embarking or disembarking from the aircraft during their journey”.
Also read: Air IndiaSafety Mudras: Video Puts A Cultural Spin On Pre-Flight Instructions
What are your views on this?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.