Elderly Air India Flyer Collapses, Dies After Being Forced To Walk Due To Lack Of Wheelchair At Mumbai Airport

Due to the high demand of wheelchairs an elderly passenger did not receive one on time, in the meanwhile, he decided to walk alongside his wife at Mumbai airport.

The airline explained that it had asked the passenger to wait due to the high demand for wheelchairs.

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An elderly Air India passenger died after he chose to walk instead of waiting for a wheelchair. The passenger had requested for a wheelchair but due to heavy demand he was asked to wait. The octogenarian passenger collapsed during the immigration process on February 12 after he arrived from New York to Mumbai, according to a PTI report. 

A spokesperson from Air India said that the passenger was over 80 years old.

In a statement, the airline explained that it had asked the passenger to wait due to the high demand for wheelchairs, but the man chose to walk alongside his spouse, who was in a wheelchair.

"In an unfortunate incident, one of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on February 12, fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was in a wheelchair," the airline said.  

"As advised by the airport doctor attending him after taking ill, the passenger was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared to have passed away. Air India is in constant touch with the family members of the bereaved, extending necessary assistance. Air India has a clearly laid down policy to offer wheelchair assistance to every passenger who requisitions for it during reservations," the airline said in its statement. 

Passenger Walks Alongside His Wife

As per The Times Of India, only one wheelchair assistant showed up for the couple. The wife sat on the wheelchair, while the husband decided to walk alongside. The TOI source said, “He must have walked about 1.5 km to reach the immigration area where he suddenly collapsed due to a heart attack. He was taken to the Mumbai airport medical facility and from there rushed to Nanavati hospital.”

On this particular flight, there were 32 passengers who required wheelchair assistance. However, upon landing, only 15 wheelchairs were available along with accompanying staff on the ground to assist them, an airport staff said, according to TOI.

The doctor who tended to him said that after taking ill, the airline said the passenger was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared to have passed away. Air India has stated that it remains in constant communication with the family members of those affected by the incident, providing essential support. Additionally, the airline has emphasised its adherence to a clearly defined policy, ensuring wheelchair assistance is available to all passengers who pre-book such services.

According to PTI, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) airport operator has not issued an immediate comment on the incident.