In an unfortunate event at Delhi Airport, an 82-year-old woman named Raj Pasricha fell and sustained severe injuries after her pre-booked wheelchair was denied. The elderly lady, the widow of a decorated Lieutenant General, waited for an hour for the wheelchair and had to walk a considerable distance with a family member’s assistance before her legs gave way and she collapsed in front of one of the airline counters. An elderly woman sustained severe injuries at Delhi airport after Air India failed to provide a pre-booked wheelchair. The airline promises an investigation.
“No help whatsoever and no first aid.”
According to her granddaughter, Parul Kanwar, no one from Air India or the airport authorities helped. There were no immediate first-aid measures taken while she lay bleeding from her lip, head, and nose after her fall. Instead, the family was said to have been told to find assistance themselves. In the end, a wheelchair was arranged, and she was escorted to the flight to Bengaluru without a proper check-up.
“The air crew assisted her with ice packs to treat her injuries and informed the medical team at Bengaluru Airport.” She was given two stitches after landing and was examined for other injuries. Her condition deteriorated, and she was admitted to ICU, where she remained under observation for two days for possible brain bleeds. Her left side has lost strength, which is causing great concern to her family.
Granddaughter’s Charge of Air India Negligence
Ms. Kanwar took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the incident, infuriated at the lack of care or concern. “I post this because I have no choice, and because it infuriates me that there is such little value for human life and well-being.” She described how her grandmother was made to walk across three parking lanes before collapsing near the Air India premium economy counter.
“No one offered to help. We asked for someone to get first aid-for no help,” she added, saying the family waits in agonizing pain as doctors are attempting to stabilize their grandmother’s condition.
Air India Reacts
“With regret, we note this occurrence and wish Ms. Pasricha a speedy recovery,” Air India said in response to Ms. Kanwar, adding that it wished to speak to her over the phone. However, Ms. Kanwar refused the call, insisting first on a thorough investigation.
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.
— Air India (@airindia) March 6, 2025
The airline then stated, “We are actively working on the concern and assure you that we will share the complete details at the earliest.”
The family has filed formal complaints against Air India and with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), awaiting further proceedings. The case has triggered national outrage and raises serious concerns regarding passenger assistance services at Indian airports.
