An unfortunate incident occurred at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport recently, involving an 82-year-old woman who was seriously injured after being denied a wheelchair. The elderly passenger, who had pre-booked a wheelchair for her journey, was left waiting and struggling to walk, eventually falling near the Air India counter.
The incident has raised serious concerns about airport safety and airline responsibility, especially for senior citizens and passengers with special needs.
What Happened at the Airport?
The elderly woman, widow of a decorated Lieutenant General, had requested a wheelchair in advance for her Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru. However, when she reached Terminal 3, no wheelchair was provided.
Her family waited for over an hour while trying to get assistance from airport staff and the airline, but no help came. With no other option, she attempted to move across the terminal with assistance from her family member and tragically fell near the Air India premium economy counter.
She suffered injuries to her head, nose, and lips, and had to be admitted to the ICU for observation due to possible brain injury.
Family’s Account of Negligence
The woman’s granddaughter shared the experience on social media, stating that not a single staff member offered first aid immediately after the fall. Only after persistent requests did a wheelchair arrive, allowing her grandmother to board the flight with injuries.
She described the situation as frustrating and painful, noting that her grandmother’s left side was losing strength and she remained under medical observation for two days after the incident.
Air India’s Response
Air India responded to the family’s complaints, expressing concern and wishing the elderly woman a speedy recovery. The airline stated that they are actively investigating the incident and promised to provide detailed information soon.
While the airline reached out, the family emphasized the need for proper investigation before any direct contact.
Importance of Elderly Assistance at Airports
This incident highlights a crucial issue: the lack of timely support for elderly and disabled passengers at airports. Pre-booking assistance is standard practice, and failure to provide it not only leads to injuries but also creates distress for families.
Airports and airlines must ensure proper training of staff and prompt availability of wheelchairs, especially for senior citizens, to avoid such mishaps in the future.
Public Reaction
Many social media users expressed outrage over the negligence. Citizens highlighted the importance of accountability in airline operations and stressed that human life and safety should always come first, regardless of delays or mismanagement.
Conclusion
The case of the 82-year-old passenger serves as a reminder of the responsibility airlines and airports have toward elderly and special-needs passengers. Prompt assistance, proper coordination, and immediate medical support can prevent avoidable accidents and ensure safe travel.
Air India has promised an investigation, but it remains essential for the aviation sector to take proactive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
FAQs
h3: What caused the elderly passenger to fall at the airport?
The woman fell because she was denied a pre-booked wheelchair and had to walk a long distance with family assistance, which led to her legs giving way near the airline counter.
h3: What injuries did she suffer?
She suffered injuries to her head, nose, and lips. She was admitted to the ICU for observation due to potential brain injury.
h3: Did Air India respond to the incident?
Yes, Air India expressed concern, wished her a speedy recovery, and said they are actively investigating the incident.
h3: What can airlines do to prevent such incidents?
Airlines should ensure timely availability of wheelchairs, train staff to assist elderly passengers, and provide immediate medical help in case of accidents.
h3: Where did this incident happen?
The incident took place at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.