Air India under fire over death of elderly passenger due to lack of wheelchair

In the wake of a heartbreaking incident at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Air India found itself under intense scrutiny following the tragic death of an 80-year-old passenger, Babu Patel, who collapsed and passed away after while walking from the plane to the terminal.

The incident occurred on February 12 upon the arrival of Air India flight AI-116 from New York. Patel, accompanied by his 76-year-old spouse, Narmadaben Patel, had both booked wheelchairs for assistance. However, upon disembarkation, only one wheelchair was available, leaving Patel to walk alongside his wife, who was aided by the lone available wheelchair.

Tragically, during the journey from the aircraft to the terminal, Patel collapsed near the APHO office. Airport medical personnel administered CPR and swiftly transported him to Nanavati Hospital in an MIAL ambulance. Despite efforts to save him, Chief Medical Officer Ronaldo confirmed Patel's passing.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has cited violations of regulations outlined in CAR Section 3, Series 'M', Part I, concerning the carriage of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.

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