{"id":254570,"date":"2025-03-08T07:17:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-08T07:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/08\/denied-wheelchair-by-air-india-elderly-woman-falls-down-at-delhi-airport-lands-in-icu\/"},"modified":"2025-03-08T07:17:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T07:17:14","slug":"denied-wheelchair-by-air-india-elderly-woman-falls-down-at-delhi-airport-lands-in-icu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/08\/denied-wheelchair-by-air-india-elderly-woman-falls-down-at-delhi-airport-lands-in-icu\/","title":{"rendered":"Denied wheelchair by Air India, elderly woman falls down at Delhi airport, lands in ICU"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Denied<\/div>


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What should have been a routine journey for an 82-year-old woman turned into a nightmare at Delhi\u2019s Indira Gandhi International Airport<\/a>. The elderly passenger, the widow of a decorated Lieutenant General, had pre-booked a wheelchair with Air India for her Delhi-to-Bengaluru flight on 4th March. But when she arrived at Terminal 3, no wheelchair was provided despite repeated requests.<\/p>\n

Her granddaughter, Paraul Kanwar, recounted the ordeal in a viral post on X (formerly Twitter). \u201cWe tried for almost an hour, requesting airline staff, the airport help desk, even alternate airline staff from IndiGo (who had a free wheelchair but refused to share).\u201d<\/p>\n

With no help in sight, the frail woman attempted to walk across three parking lanes with the support of a family member. But exhaustion took its toll. Near the Air India premium economy counter, her legs gave way. She collapsed.<\/p>\n

No Help, No First Aid<\/h2>\n

Despite the distressing scene, Kanwar alleged that no Air India staff came forward to help. Even after her grandmother lay injured on the floor, bleeding from her lip and head, no first aid was provided.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe requested someone to get first aid\u2014no help. The expectation from Air India staff was that a family member should go to the medical inspection (MI) room and arrange medical assistance themselves,\u201d Kanwar wrote.<\/p>\n

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\u2014 parulkanwar (@parulkanwar) <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When a wheelchair finally arrived, the woman was hurriedly boarded onto the flight. \u201cShe was promptly seated without a proper medical check-up, despite a bleeding lip and visible injuries,\u201d Kanwar added. The flight crew, however, did provide ice packs and arranged medical assistance upon landing in Bengaluru. A doctor assessed her condition, and she received two stitches.<\/p>\n

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ICU Admission and Fears of Brain Bleeds<\/h2>\n

Hours after landing, her condition worsened. The family rushed her to the hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU for observation due to concerns about potential brain bleeds.<\/p>\n

Kanwar described the painful reality of watching her grandmother suffer. \u201cToday, I sit here typing this from the ICU. She has been here two days under observation for potential brain bleeds. My mother and father watch as doctors pump her with medication, and her left side loses strength. From where we stand, it\u2019s a long road ahead of pain and recovery which she did not deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Complaints Lodged, But Will Action Be Taken?<\/h2>\n

The family has filed formal complaints with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India. However, they remain uncertain about whether meaningful action will be taken.<\/p>\n

Kanwar also shared before-and-after images of her grandmother, highlighting the stark contrast between her joyful presence at a family wedding just a day before and her current frail condition in the ICU.<\/p>\n

Air India\u2019s Response<\/h2>\n

Following the public outcry, Air India issued a response on X, \u201cDear Ms. Kanwar, we are concerned to note this and wish Ms. Pasricha a speedy recovery. We\u2019d like to connect with you over a call in this regard and request you share your contact number and a convenient time via DM.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a subsequent message, the airline added, \u201cWe sincerely wish your grandmother a speedy recovery. We are actively working on the concern and assure you that we will share the complete details at the earliest.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Kanwar was unimpressed by the airline\u2019s generic response, calling for due diligence and a proper investigation before any outreach.<\/p>\n

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability<\/h2>\n

Kanwar\u2019s post has sparked outrage, with social media users condemning the airline\u2019s apparent negligence. Many have questioned the lack of basic assistance for elderly and disabled passengers, urging authorities to enforce stricter accountability for airlines.<\/p>\n

For now, the family waits\u2014for answers, for action, and most importantly, for the recovery of an elderly woman who deserved far better treatment on what should have been just another flight home.
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