The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed new rules to stop the misuse of wheelchair facilities at Indian airports. Under the draft regulation, airlines will be allowed to charge passengers who are physically fit but request wheelchairs, while continuing to provide the service free of cost to elderly or differently-abled passengers who genuinely need it.

According to airline officials, wheelchair assistance is often misused by able-bodied passengers who want to skip long queues at immigration or security. This makes it harder for airlines and airports to serve those in real need, such as senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, or those with restricted mobility.

Some airlines have reported a rise in unnecessary requests, especially on certain international flights, where dozens of wheelchairs are booked even though not all passengers require them.

The proposal comes just before a Bombay High Court hearing scheduled for September 25. Earlier this year, the court formed a committee led by a retired judge to study the availability of wheelchairs at airports and the difficulties faced by elderly and differently-abled passengers.

The High Court had also emphasised that access to wheelchairs and related assistance must be treated as a fundamental human right for those who need them.

The draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) also outlines that providing wheelchairs will be a shared responsibility between airlines and airport operators. Airlines will have to ensure wheelchairs are available for passengers who book them in advance. Airport operators will be required to create special drop-off points for passengers needing wheelchairs and set up designated waiting areas inside terminals to make the service easier to access.

These steps are aimed at making air travel more inclusive and ensuring that assistance reaches those who depend on it.

While the move may help airlines tackle misuse, experts warn it could also raise concerns about passenger convenience and trust.

• Many elderly passengers rely on wheelchairs even if they are not officially classified as “disabled.” Charging them or asking for medical proof could discourage them from seeking help, making air travel stressful.

• Overweight passengers: Heavier passengers sometimes request wheelchairs due to difficulty in walking long distances inside airports. Categorising such requests as “misuse” may create embarrassment and discourage them from flying.

• Trust deficit: Passengers may see the regulation as another way of airlines adding charges, potentially leading to complaints of insensitivity toward travellers’ needs.

The DGCA has invited public comments and suggestions on the draft rules until September 19. Inputs from passengers, airlines, airport operators, and disability rights groups will be considered before the final regulations are implemented.

If approved, the new rules will bring a significant change in how wheelchair services are provided in India’s busy airports. The challenge will be to balance operational efficiency with compassion and inclusivity, ensuring genuine passengers are not inconvenienced.