Bombay HC Slams Lack Of Airport Facilities For Seniors, Disabled; Says 'Nobody Should Suffer', Seeks Preventive Measures

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday voiced concern over the lack of adequate facilities at airports across the country for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, highlighting the absence of timely access to essentials such as wheelchairs. The court emphasised that preventive measures are necessary, as the issue pertains to human lives.

A division bench comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Advait Sethna observed that facilities like wheelchairs must be made available promptly to spare travellers unnecessary distress.

The court further stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline companies should proactively ensure the provision of such facilities, asserting that India must lead by example.

“We are concerned about human lives. Nobody should suffer. What is required is sensitivity from the airport management authority and all airlines. We have to be very sensitive to these issues. We want the highest international standards to be implemented in India by all airlines,” the court said.

The bench was hearing two petitions – one by a senior citizen and her daughter and another by a 53-year-old man – raising the issue of non-availability of wheelchairs and other facilities at the Mumbai international airport.

The mother-daughter duo in their plea said the 81-year-old woman had to give up her wheelchair for her daughter, who was suffering from acute arthritis, after they were given only one mobility aid on landing in Mumbai in September 2023.

The DGCA in an affidavit submitted to the bench on Monday said there was a shortage of wheelchairs at the airport due to several factors, including over-booking. The court, however, said it cannot accept such an excuse.

Preventive measures have to be taken, the HC said, adding a person may go to the airport hale and hearty but may suddenly take ill and require assistance.

“What happens then? These are human issues. Facilities should be available before time. This is an airport where sometimes flights get delayed for hours. For a normal person, such delays may not matter, but for senior citizens or those who are specially-abled, such delays bring in a lot of agony and trauma,” Justice Kulkarni said.