The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released a draft proposal to stop the growing misuse of wheelchair services at airports. Under the new rules, airlines will be allowed to charge physically fit passengers who ask for wheelchairs without any genuine need. Public feedback on these draft guidelines has been invited until September 19.
Why the Change is Being Proposed
Wheelchair services at airports are designed to help elderly passengers and those with mobility challenges. However, officials say many travellers misuse the facility just to skip long queues at security and immigration counters. Airlines have even reported cases where multiple requests for unnecessary wheelchairs left limited support for passengers who truly required assistance.
The situation has become so concerning that it is now affecting the availability of wheelchairs for senior citizens and differently abled travellers. The DGCA believes that allowing a fee for able-bodied passengers using the service will help ensure fair access and reduce misuse.
Balancing Accessibility and Accountability
The draft regulation also highlights that responsibility for providing wheelchairs will be shared between airlines and airport authorities. Airports will be required to set up special drop-off points for passengers who pre-book wheelchairs, along with designated waiting and assistance areas inside the terminal.
This move also comes in the backdrop of a Bombay High Court hearing scheduled for September 25. Earlier this year, the court had formed a committee led by a retired judge to assess wheelchair availability at airports, stressing that access to such services is a basic human right.
While the DGCA’s proposal aims to reduce misuse and improve service availability, experts have urged that passenger perspectives must also be carefully considered before finalising the rule. By seeking public suggestions, the regulator hopes to create a system that is both fair to genuine passengers in need and manageable for airlines and airport operators.
