An 82-year-old woman, the widow of a decorated Lieutenant General, is in the ICU under observation for possible brain bleeds after a fall at Delhi airport. The incident occurred after she was allegedly denied a pre-booked wheelchair by Air India. Forced to walk with assistance, she collapsed near the airline’s counter when her legs gave way.
Her granddaughter, Parul Kanwar, alleged that no first aid was provided immediately, and the elderly woman was eventually boarded onto the flight with a bleeding lip and head injuries. Ms. Kanwar shared the ordeal on social media, expressing frustration over the lack of care and assistance. She mentioned that her grandmother has been in the ICU for two days, with the left side of her body weakening.
82 years old lady ends up in ICU as Air India refused wheelchair service as a result of which she fell.
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) March 8, 2025
In her ticket details she had confirm wheelchair service.
Strict action is needed against Air India officials. pic.twitter.com/mdgBHnG6y9
According to Ms. Kanwar, the family had booked an Air India flight (AI2600) from Delhi to Bengaluru, with a confirmed wheelchair request mentioned on the ticket. However, upon reaching Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, no wheelchair was provided despite repeated requests to Air India staff, the airport help desk, and even personnel from another airline.
“With no other option, this old lady slowly made her way across 3 parking lanes at T3 New Delhi, on foot with assistance from a family member… Ultimately, her legs gave way, and she fell—in front of the Air India premium economy counter. Not one person stepped in to help,” Ms. Kanwar wrote in her post. She added that Air India staff expected a family member to go to the medical inspection room to get medical aid instead of assisting themselves.
She further stated that the on-flight crew provided ice packs and informed the medical team at Bengaluru airport, where the woman was given stitches. Ms. Kanwar, posting from the ICU, described her family’s distress as her grandmother undergoes treatment.
The family has lodged complaints with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Air India, awaiting action.
Air India’s Response
Air India responded to the social media post, stating, “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.”
Ms. Kanwar, however, demanded due diligence before any call. The airline then assured, “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.”
