A specially-abled passenger was denied wheelchair access at Mumbai Airport. Due to difficulties with wheelchair facilities on a recent journey from Colombo to Mumbai, a business class passenger on Vistara who has mobility issues has filed a claim with the consumer court, seeking ₹10 crore in damages.
Specially-Abled Passenger At Mumbai Airport Was Denied Wheelchair Access
The passenger stated that upon arrival in Mumbai, no wheelchair was made available and that she was instructed to exit and descend a ramp despite being in excruciating agony and unable to stand up from her seat without assistance. The passenger hadn’t told them about her pre-existing ailment, Vistara retorted. The airline added that one day’s flight itineraries at Mumbai Airport were impacted by an unforeseen occurrence, adding to the problems encountered.
In other news, Monica Gupta, who suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis, was returning to Mumbai on aircraft UK-132 on September 14 with her ailing mother, brother, and nephews following a vacation in Colombo. Mudhit Gupta, her brother, noted that despite having made wheelchair reservations for both his mother and sister, they still had to wait an hour to pick them up at the airport in Colombo.
Due to an event that resulted in a temporary runway restriction at Mumbai airport, their flight, which took off at 4 pm, was diverted to Hyderabad. They finally arrived in Mumbai at about 11:00 p.m. Her brother claimed that the prolonged travel made his sister’s illness worse. Despite the remote parking of the aircraft, no wheelchair was provided. Even though his sister was unable to stand unaided, the nurses encouraged her to walk. He remained with his family after the crew and all other passengers disembarked. They were finally given a wheelchair at about 11:45 pm, but they had to wait another 30 minutes before a coach van would take them to the terminal.
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Vistara Released Their Statement
In their statement, Vistara apologised for the distress that was brought on by unforeseen circumstances. The passengers did not identify any past medical issues when they requested a ramp wheelchair. As a result, no airports organised an ambulift. They pointed out that the event on the runway resulted in several delays, which made it harder to provide the wheelchair. When the wheelchair arrived, thier team provided assistance to the passengers.
What To Do In Such Situation?
According to the Civil Aviation Requirements, every specially-abled person should be provided wheelchair access. However, it should be in accordance with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC). Moreover, you can book wheelchair assistance with the airline you are travelling with but before 48 hours prior to departure.
According to DGCA, no airline is allowed to refuse to transport passengers with a handicap or limited mobility. As long as they or their representatives let the airline know of their needs when making the reservation. Within three months of the CAR’s issuance, the airlines must add the necessary language on their website. So travellers with disabilities can choose the accommodations they’ll need throughout their trip when making reservations.
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Secondly, airlines must make available on their websites in an accessible format the safety rules that pertain to the transportation of people with disabilities or limited mobility. In addition to any restrictions on their transportation or the mobility equipment due to the size of aircraft.
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