Is airport wheelchair assistance being misused by Indian travellers? Why the claims are disputed

A fresh social media storm has erupted after a purported photograph showed rows of Indian travellers waiting in wheelchairs at a departure gate at a United States airport.

The image triggered widespread online debate, with several commenters accusing passengers of misusing free airport assistance to avoid long walks and secure priority boarding.

Critics claimed that some families request wheelchairs for able-bodied relatives purely for convenience. Some social media users went further, demanding stricter rules, including fees for wheelchair assistance or mandatory doctor's certificates.

Photo cannot reveal a passenger's condition

However, others strongly pushed back against the sweeping accusations, arguing that a photograph alone cannot reveal a person's physical condition or the reasons they may need assistance.

Many passengers on long-haul international routes are elderly parents travelling to visit family abroad. For them, navigating large airports and covering long distances between check-in counters, security points and departure gates can be physically exhausting.

Commentators also noted that travellers may require wheelchair assistance because of health problems that are not immediately visible.

Access concerns after Mumbai airport death

The debate has also revived concerns about making wheelchair assistance harder to access in an attempt to prevent possible misuse.

A 2024 incident at Mumbai airport was cited by commentators as an example of the potential consequences. An 80-year-old passenger reportedly collapsed and died after being forced to walk when wheelchair assistance was unavailable.

Airports and airlines therefore face a difficult balance: ensuring assistance remains easily available to passengers who genuinely need it while addressing concerns about travellers seeking the service purely for convenience.