Elderly woman's nasty fall at Delhi airport: Air India responds to alleged negligence

New Delhi: Air India has expressed concern over an incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where an 82-year-old woman, Raj Pasricha, reportedly suffered injuries after allegedly being denied a pre-booked wheelchair. The airline stated it was "actively working on the concern" and assured that details would be shared at the earliest.

"We are concerned to note this and wish Ms. Pasricha a speedy recovery," Air India said in a statement.

The response came after Ms. Pasricha’s granddaughter, Parul Kanwar, shared the incident on social media, highlighting the lack of assistance provided by the airline and airport staff.

Wheelchair not provided, family claims negligence

Ms. Kanwar alleged that despite booking a wheelchair in advance for an Air India flight (AI2600) from Delhi to Bengaluru on Tuesday, no assistance was provided upon arrival at Terminal 3 (T3). The ticket confirmed a special request for a "wheelchair to aircraft door."

"I post this because I have no choice, and because it infuriates me that there is such little value for human life and wellbeing," wrote Ms. Kanwar in a post on X.

She recounted that after an hour of waiting and repeatedly requesting help from Air India staff, the airport help desk, and even another airline’s staff, no wheelchair was arranged.

"With no other option, this old lady slowly made her way across three parking lanes at T3 New Delhi, on foot with assistance from a family member. She managed to enter the airport on foot, still no wheelchair or assistance was provided. Ultimately, her legs gave way, and she fell - she fell in front of the Air India premium economy counter. Not one person stepped in to help. We requested someone to help get first aid - no help," she wrote.

Ms. Kanwar further claimed that instead of immediate medical attention, the family was expected to go to the medical inspection (MI) room to get aid. Eventually, a wheelchair arrived, and Ms. Pasricha was boarded onto the flight despite having a bleeding lip and injuries to her head and nose.

"The flight crew did help with ice packs and called ahead to Bangalore airport for medical aid, where she was seen by a doctor and given two stitches," she added.

Family demands action

Ms. Pasricha has since been in the ICU 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's a long road ahead of pain and recovery which she did not deserve," Ms. Kanwar wrote.

The family has lodged complaints with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India and is awaiting further action.

Air India’s follow-up response

Following Ms. Kanwar’s post, Air India reached out, requesting a direct conversation.

"Dear Ms. Kanwar, we 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," the airline said in a follow-up message.