NEW DELHI: An 82-year-old woman is in intensive care unit (ICU), being monitored for possible brain bleeds, after a fall at Delhi airport allegedly due to the non-availability of a wheelchair that had been pre-booked with Air India.
Despite securing a wheelchair in advance, the elderly woman—widow of a decorated Lieutenant General—was left waiting for an hour, according to her family. With no assistance provided, she attempted to walk with the support of a relative but collapsed near an airline counter.
Her granddaughter, Paraul Kanwar, alleged that no first aid was administered at the airport and that, after eventually being provided with a wheelchair, her grandmother was allowed to board the flight with a bleeding lip and head injuries. The family now says she has been in the ICU for two days, with the left side of her body showing signs of weakness.
Taking to social media platform X, Kanwar expressed her anger, writing, “You treated my grandmother so poorly, and with such little regard. You should be ashamed.”
Detailing the ordeal, she recounted how the family had booked the wheelchair well in advance for the Delhi-to-Bangalore flight on March 4. However, upon arrival at the airport, no wheelchair was allocated, despite repeated requests to Air India staff, the airport help desk, and even alternative airline staff.
“With no other option, this old lady slowly made her way across three parking lanes at T3 New Delhi, on foot with assistance from a family member. She managed to enter the airport on foot, still no wheelchair or assistance was provided. Ultimately, her legs gave way, and she fell – she fell in front of the Air India premium economy counter. Not one person stepped in to help,” she wrote.
The granddaughter also alleged that even after the fall, no first aid was provided, and the family was expected to seek medical assistance themselves. A wheelchair arrived only after the incident, and the elderly woman was subsequently boarded onto the flight. The crew provided ice packs and arranged medical aid upon landing in Bangalore, where she received two stitches.
“Today, I sit here typing this from the ICU. She has been here two days under observation for potential brain bleeds. My mother and father watch as doctors pump her with medication, and her left side loses strength. From where we stand, it’s a long road ahead of pain and recovery which she did not deserve,” Kanwar added.
The family has lodged complaints with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India and is awaiting further action.
Air India’s Response
Reacting to the post, Air India responded via its official handle:
“Dear Ms. Kanwar, we are concerned to note this and wish Ms. Pasricha a speedy recovery. We’d like to connect with you over a call in this regard and request you share your contact number and a convenient time via DM.”
In a follow-up post, the airline reiterated, “Dear Ms. Kanwar, we sincerely wish your grandmother a speedy recovery. We are actively working on the concern and assure you that we will share the complete details at the earliest.”
