New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday directed airlines to not stop passengers from boarding their flight based on their disability or reduced mobility.
The aviation regulator also mandated that airlines get a doctor’s opinion before deciding to bar passengers from boarding the plane on the ground that their condition may deteriorate during the flight. If the airline still decides to bar the passenger, the civil aviation requirements (CAR) notified by the regulator require that the official concerned conveys the decision and the reasons in writing.
“Airline shall not refuse carriage of any person on the basis of disability and/or reduced mobility. However, in case, an airline perceives that the health of such a passenger may deteriorate in-flight, the said passenger will have to be examined by a Doctor in person – who shall in his/her opinion, categorically state the medical condition and whether the passenger is fit to fly or not. After obtaining the medical opinion, the airline shall take an appropriate decision on the carriage of such passengers. In case of refusal of carriage by the airline, it shall inform the passenger in writing with the reasons therein immediately,” DGCA said in a statement announcing the change in the regulations.
