Wheelchair Denied, No First Aid: Air India Faces Backlash Over Elderly Woman’s Injury

An 82-year-old woman suffered injuries after falling at Delhi Airport, and her granddaughter has alleged that Air India staff failed to provide timely assistance, including a pre-requested wheelchair and first aid.

Parul Kanwar, a resident of Delhi, shared the ordeal on social media, stating that she had booked an Air India flight to Bengaluru along with her grandmother, Raj Pashreecha (82). While booking the ticket, she had selected the wheelchair assistance option, which was confirmed on the printed ticket. However, upon reaching the airport, Air India staff reportedly failed to provide the wheelchair despite multiple requests.

Left with no choice, Kanwar slowly walked with her grandmother towards the boarding area. During this time, her grandmother lost balance and fell, sustaining injuries to her lip and head. She alleged that even as she struggled to lift her grandmother, the airline staff present nearby did not offer help.

Kanwar further claimed that a wheelchair was only provided after the fall, but no immediate first aid was given despite visible bleeding from her grandmother’s injuries. The airline's flight attendants, however, provided an ice pack during the journey and informed Bengaluru airport authorities about the situation. Upon landing, airport officials assisted in administering first aid.

Following the incident, Kanwar stated that due to her grandmother’s age and the injuries sustained, doctors kept her under intensive care for two days. Medical professionals suspected the possibility of a brain hemorrhage due to the impact of the fall.

Expressing strong discontent over the incident, Kanwar criticized Air India’s handling of the situation in her social media post. In response, Air India acknowledged the incident and assured that an investigation would be conducted, promising necessary action.