An elderly couple arriving on a flight from New York was thrust into a heartbreaking situation when the 80-year-old husband collapsed and died at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on a fateful Monday. Despite having reserved wheelchair assistance, the couple faced an acute shortage, compelling the man to walk approximately 1.5 kilometers alongside his wheelchair-bound wife. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack near the immigration counter and, despite being rushed to a hospital, was pronounced deceased. Mourning the loss of an Indian-origin US passport holder, Air India acknowledged the incident, emphasizing their ongoing support to the family during this challenging time.
The couple, aboard the Air India flight AI-116, faced an unforeseen delay with their landing, which was further complicated by the apparent scarcity of wheelchairs to accommodate the 32 passengers in need. The airline’s staff pointed out the tendency of elderly couples to stay together during airport transit, particularly when faced with mobility and hearing challenges. The shortfall in wheelchairs highlighted broader systemic issues, recalling an incident earlier in the year where a wheelchair-bound woman faced insensitive treatment during security checks elsewhere.
As the community grapples with these distressing events, discussions arise about the necessity for enhanced airport services and empathy for passengers with disabilities. The incident not only sheds light on logistical lapses but also calls for a reevaluation of procedural sensitivities, ensuring that all passengers experience dignity and care while travelling.