India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has moved to tighten rules on wheelchair assistance at airports after reports of widespread misuse on long-haul international routes, particularly between India and the United States.
The proposed changes come in response to repeated concerns from airlines and airport authorities that able-bodied travellers are increasingly requesting wheelchairs to bypass queues at immigration, security, and boarding gates. This surge has slowed operations and restricted access for those who genuinely rely on mobility support.
DGCA Draft Allows Airlines to Charge for Non-Essential Wheelchair Requests
The DGCA’s draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) proposes:
• Free wheelchair assistance for persons with disabilities and travellers with certified reduced mobility
• Permission for airlines to charge a fee to passengers who request wheelchairs purely for convenience
• Mandatory availability of wheelchairs and trained staff across Indian airports
The regulator is currently seeking public feedback before finalizing the new rules.
Why India–US Flights Are Under Scrutiny
Airport staff at major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru say some India–US flights land with large clusters of wheelchair requests, far exceeding normal operational norms.
Long walks inside terminals, lengthy immigration lines, and peak-season travel contribute to the rising number of convenience-based requests.
The result:
- Wheelchair shortages for elderly passengers
- Delayed boarding and deplaning
- Operational strain at arrival gates
- Missed connections for travellers who genuinely need support
Although no airline has released official route-specific data, ground teams confirm that India–US routes see the highest demand and the highest misuse.
A Concern From the Global Indian Diaspora: Will Genuine Travellers Be Affected?
While the proposed rules aim to address misuse, India’s global diaspora is raising an important concern:
Could stricter wheelchair policies unintentionally make travel more difficult for people who truly depend on mobility support?
For millions of Indians living abroad, travel to and from India often involves:
- elderly parents
- travelers with chronic joint pain
- passengers recovering from surgery
- individuals with temporary injuries or limited stamina
Many of them are not formally classified as “disabled,” yet they genuinely require wheelchair assistance on long international journeys.
Fear of Being Questioned or Stigmatized
Diaspora travellers worry that new rules may lead to:
- more aggressive questioning of legitimate requests
- delays in receiving assistance
- subjective judgement by airport staff under pressure
- This may create anxiety for elderly passengers who already find airport processes overwhelming.
Documentation Could Become a Burden
If airlines begin requiring:
- medical certificates
- advance approvals
- doctor’s notes
- it could significantly complicate travel for seniors flying alone or for families in smaller Indian cities where documentation may not be easily accessible.
Fees Could Penalize People With Real Mobility Limitations
Many families fear that fee-based systems may accidentally penalize:
- seniors with limited walking capacity
- pregnant travellers
- those with chronic pain
- people recovering from injuries
— rather than the small minority who misuse the service to skip queues.
The diaspora supports cracking down on misuse but urges regulators to ensure compassionate, practical implementation that protects vulnerable travellers.
Air India Has Not Introduced Any New Charges Yet
Despite viral posts claiming otherwise, Air India has not implemented wheelchair fees on India–US or any other routes.
The airline continues to offer free assistance to elderly passengers, those with disabilities, and travellers with medical needs.
Any charges will only be introduced after the DGCA finalizes the revised rules.
What Happens Next
The DGCA will review public comments before issuing the final regulation. Travellers can expect:
• clear guidelines on eligibility for free wheelchairs
• standardized booking processes across airlines
• potential documentation requirements
• optional paid wheelchairs for convenience-based travel
The objective is to ensure that passengers who truly need mobility support are not inconvenienced by misuse.
