The government of India is preparing to revise its rules on wheelchair access at airports, addressing growing concerns over the misuse of services, especially on long-haul international flights. With a significant number of passengers requesting wheelchair assistance—often for convenience rather than necessity—there has been rising pressure on airlines, airport staff, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take corrective measures.

Current Situation and Rising Demand

Currently, Air India processes over 100,000 wheelchair requests every month across its domestic and international network. However, demand is particularly high on long-haul routes to North America and the UK. On some flights, up to 30% of passengers request wheelchair assistance, leading to logistical issues. Many of these requests are made by passengers who do not require mobility aid but seek to bypass queues or fast-track their boarding process.

This growing trend is putting pressure on limited resources and raising safety concerns, especially in emergency situations. The overwhelming demand for wheelchair services has led to operational difficulties, with airlines having to pay extra fees when demand exceeds contracted limits. There is also a shortage of trained staff, further complicating the issue.

The Need for Policy Change

To address these challenges, the DGCA is finalizing a new framework expected to roll out by the end of May. According to reports, the new policy will restrict free wheelchair services to passengers aged 60 and above, while younger passengers will need to provide a valid medical certificate to qualify. This approach aims to ensure that genuine cases are prioritized, preventing misuse by those who do not require the service.

A nominal fee may also be introduced for those who do not meet the revised criteria but still require assistance. This move could help reduce the burden on airport staff and resources, ensuring that wheelchair assistance is available for those who genuinely need it.

Airline and Airport Concerns

The soaring number of requests for wheelchair services has raised operational and safety concerns among airlines and airport authorities. An anonymous Air India official pointed out that some passengers who request wheelchairs are later seen walking unaided through the airport. This not only wastes valuable resources but also compromises assistance for passengers with genuine mobility issues.

The situation has been further complicated by logistical and safety risks. In cases where a flight has more wheelchair-bound passengers than the crew can assist in an emergency, airlines face serious safety challenges. Additionally, the increase in wheelchair requests has led to delays during boarding and deboarding, impacting overall flight schedules.

Recent Incidents

In January, Air India faced a fine of Rs 30 lakh for failing to provide pre-booked wheelchair services, highlighting the operational challenges posed by the growing demand. Additionally, comedian Vir Das recently criticized the airline for failing to provide a wheelchair for his wife, despite her pre-booking the service and paying a premium fare for her flight. Such incidents have spurred regulators to act, with the DGCA now focusing on tightening guidelines.

The Proposed Solutions

The government is considering several measures to address the issue, including:

• Age restrictions: Only passengers aged 60 and above will be eligible for free wheelchair assistance, while younger passengers may need to provide a medical certificate.

• Paid tier: A low-cost option may be introduced for passengers who do not meet the criteria but still need help with long walks or mobility.

• Promotion of alternative services: Airports could expand and publicize buggy services for elderly passengers who do not have medical conditions but need assistance.

• Limiting requests per flight: Airlines may consider capping the number of wheelchair requests per flight to avoid overburdening staff and resources.

Balancing Accessibility and Accountability

While the airlines call for stricter eligibility criteria, passenger rights groups have urged caution. They argue that comfort, safety, and dignity are non-negotiable and that any new rules must balance the need for accessibility with fairness. As the discussions continue, finding the right balance between genuine needs and misuse of resources will be crucial.

The revised wheelchair access rules are expected to come into effect soon, and the government aims to ensure that air travel remains inclusive and accessible for all passengers while addressing the rising concerns over misuse. As the policy moves forward, it will be important to strike a balance between maintaining accessibility and ensuring accountability for those using these services.

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