Releasing guidelines for disabled passenger, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) today said airlines can’t deny boarding to disabled passenger without doctor’s opinion and if the airline decides to deny boarding, it will have to mention the reason to the passenger in writing.
In a statement on Friday, the DGCA said it has amended its regulations to improve the accessibility of boarding and flying for disabled people.
The amended regulations stated that the airline must not refuse boarding to any passengers on the basis of disability 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,” the amended regulations mentioned.
After obtaining the medical opinion, the airline shall take an appropriate decision on the carriage of such passenger, it noted.
“In case of refusal of carriage by the airline, it shall inform the passenger in writing with the reasons therein immediately,” it mentioned.
IndiGo had on May 7 denied permission to board the Ranchi-Hyderabad flight stating that the boy was visibly in panic. After the boy was prohibited from boarding, his parents also decided not to enter the plane.
Six days after this incident, DGCA had proposed the aforementioned regulations on June 3. It had also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on IndiGo for denying boarding to a disabled boy at Ranchi airport on May 7.
The DGCA had asked the public to send their comments on the proposed amendments by July 2.
IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta had on May 9 expressed regret over the incident and offered to buy an electric wheelchair for the disabled boy.
Dutta had said the airline staff took the best possible decision under difficult circumstances.
Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had on May 9 said on Twitter that no human being should have to go through this and he himself was investigating the Ranchi incident.
