Overview
- A widely viewed clip on X shows a long line of wheelchair users on a US–India route, with social posts claiming unusually high request rates on some Air India flights.
- Mazumdar-Shaw reposted the video and urged a ₹5,000 per-airport charge to deter alleged misuse, drawing both support and concerns about penalizing genuine users.
- Earlier reporting cited by multiple outlets notes Air India processes over 100,000 wheelchair bookings monthly, with specific long-haul flights recording close to 30% of passengers requesting assistance.
- Indian media, citing unnamed sources, report that the DGCA is reviewing the surge and may consider guidance, though no formal policy change has been announced.
- Analysts highlight legal limits under the U.S. Air Carrier Access Act, estimated per-request costs of roughly $30–35, and cultural factors such as elderly or non-English-speaking travelers seeking navigation help, with suggested alternatives like prior declarations, better escorts and public education.