Delay in Wheelchair Service Leads to Fall of Elderly Passenger at Delhi Airport, Air India Responds

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An elderly passenger’s fall at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has led to a wave of concern regarding accessibility and service for elderly and disabled passengers. The 82-year-old woman, who had requested a wheelchair from Air India, fell after waiting an extended period for the assistance. The airline attributed the delay to a backlog caused by a previous flight’s late arrival, which had stretched its resources thin.

The woman, who had just arrived on an international flight, was reportedly struggling with mobility. She had requested a wheelchair in advance but was left waiting for a long time. As the minutes passed, she attempted to move on her own and fell in the terminal. Fellow passengers quickly came to her aid, and emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. The woman was later taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Air India expressed regret over the incident and confirmed that the delay was a result of a late-arriving flight, which had impacted their staffing levels. The airline promised to review its internal procedures and improve its ability to assist vulnerable passengers. Despite the apology, the incident has raised concerns about the adequacy of assistance for elderly passengers, particularly at busy international airports.

This case serves as a reminder that the airport experience should be universally accessible and safe for all passengers, especially those who require special assistance. The delay in wheelchair service caused a preventable accident, and many are now calling for systemic changes to ensure that this does not happen again.