Air India Says 30% of India US Flyers Request Wheelchairs; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Proposes ₹5,000 Fee for Genuine Usage

Allegations of Misuse

The controversy was sparked by a viral video that purportedly shows a queue of Indian passengers in wheelchairs at airport terminals on long-haul international routes. According to the claims, many of these individuals are not genuinely disabled; instead, they are allegedly booking wheelchair assistance to bypass long immigration lines, expedite boarding, or avoid navigating large airport terminals.

Sources in the aviation sector suggest that wheelchair requests are spiking especially on long-haul flights to the US and UK, with some Air India flights reportedly receiving dozens of wheelchair bookings per departure. The trend has raised concerns about operational strain — airline staff may be overburdened, and crucial resources could be diverted from passengers who genuinely need mobility support.

Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw’s Proposal

Responding to the viral video, Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw, the chairperson of Biocon, expressed her frustration on social media:

“They should charge an additional ₹5,000 per airport … then they will see how many genuine passengers there are.”

Her comment ignited a wave of reactions.

·         Supporters argue that a screening fee would filter out those misusing the service and ensure that the truly mobility-impaired are prioritized.

·         Critics, however, say that adding a cost could unfairly penalize the elderly, those not fluent in English, or travelers who legitimately need help navigating terminals due to age or mobility challenges.

Regulatory Pressure and Possible Reforms

Regulators appear to be taking notice. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly considering tightening wheelchair access norms for air travel. Under discussion are stricter eligibility rules, including possible medical certification for non-senior passengers and a paid tier for users not meeting age or disability criteria.

Public debate also touches on safety: too many wheelchair users per flight might strain cabin crew’s ability to assist properly during emergencies, according to some aviation insiders.

Ethical and Social Dimensions

This controversy reflects a deeper tension in air travel between equity and exploitation:

·         On one hand, wheelchair assistance is a vital service for many elderly or mobility-impaired passengers, enabling them to travel with dignity and support.

·         On the other, critics warn that when such services are exploited, not only is the system abused — but real users may suffer delays or even be deprived of the help they need.

Mazumdar‑Shaw’s comment has also sparked broader discussion about privilege: Is asking some travelers to pay a premium for “mobility access” insensitive, or is it a necessary step to preserve limited resources for those who need them most?

What Happens Next

·         The DGCA might formalize new rules soon, potentially introducing a paid tier for wheelchair assistance or stricter eligibility verification.

·         Airlines, including Air India, may be forced to re-evaluate their operational model to balance demand, safety, and fairness.

·         There could be public backlash or legal scrutiny if policy changes disproportionately affect senior citizens or people with genuine disabilities.

·         Disability rights groups may engage with regulators to ensure any new system does not undermine the rights of people who truly need wheelchair assistance.