By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
The DGCA plans to limit free wheelchair services at airports to senior citizens, requiring younger passengers to provide medical certificates or pay fees to curb misuse.
Young passengers may need medical certificates or pay for wheelchair services. (AP Photo)
A major shift in airport accessibility policy is on the horizon as the aviation regulator prepares to clamp down on the widespread misuse of complimentary wheelchair services provided at airports. By the end of May this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to roll out new rules that will limit free wheelchair access to senior citizens, while introducing fees or eligibility checks for younger passengers.
The move, as reported by Hindustan Times, comes amid a surge in complaints from travellers and airlines about wheelchair shortages, shoddy equipment, and abuse of the system by able-bodied passengers. Officials familiar with the policy say the government aims to formalise the revised guidelines soon, with younger passengers likely required to produce a medical certificate to receive free assistance.
Under the proposed rules, younger passengers may be required to submit a medical certificate to access free wheelchair services, an official told Hindustan Times. Those unable to meet the medical threshold could be asked to pay a nominal fee for assistance, particularly for transport across long distances to boarding gates.
The DGCA, spearheading the initiative, has already held consultations with domestic carriers to redefine eligibility norms. Airline officials have voiced support for the changes, citing rising costs and a lack of trained support staff.
The demand of wheelchairs has surged and service providers are charging the airlines heavily when requests exceed contracted limits. Offering free wheelchairs to all is becoming unsustainable, a senior airline executive said, noting that some passengers request wheelchairs solely to bypass long queues.
Airlines reportedly handle more than 1,000 wheelchair requests daily across major airports. When requests exceed the contracted number of wheelchairs and staff, carriers incur significant surcharges. A former airline official explained that the abuse isn’t limited to equipment – trained personnel are often overstretched as well. “Passengers in wheelchairs are fast-tracked through crowded terminals. Some use it to skip check-in and security lines, despite being perfectly able-bodied,” the official said.
Even as the regulator prepares stricter norms, the final criteria for eligibility have not yet been made public. However, the new system will reportedly include a paid option for those who don’t meet medical or age thresholds but still require assistance due to temporary conditions or difficulty walking long distances.
The changes come amid increasing scrutiny of airlines’ performance in delivering promised accessibility services. Earlier this year, Air India was slapped with a Rs 30 lakh penalty for failing to provide pre-booked wheelchair assistance to a passenger, sparking renewed calls for tighter enforcement and accountability.
The DGCA is also mulling an awareness campaign to educate travellers on the appropriate use of mobility services and reduce abuse. At the same time, industry observers warn that any policy shift must be balanced with passenger rights.
Government officials should understand the realities before listening to airlines, said Biji Eapen, president of the Airline Users Rights and Grievances Redressal Forum. “Passengers’ rights are concerned with services, safety, and quality. Without considering or understanding fundamental rights, or addressing such, passengers won’t get any real benefit,” he said.
Some aviation insiders suggest that alternative services like buggy shuttles, already available for free at many airports, could be promoted more effectively to ease pressure on wheelchair demand. However, awareness remains low.