An elderly passenger on an Air India New York-Mumbai flight died after collapsing at the Mumbai airport. The incident happened on February 12, after the passenger, more than 80 years of age, requested a wheelchair, but decided to walk as he was asked to wait due to heavy demand for a wheelchair.
The passenger died at the time of the immigration process.
Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed the passenger was more than 80 years of age.
In a statement on Friday, Air India said that due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, it had requested the passenger to wait for an airline staff-assisted wheelchair, but he opted to walk along with his spouse.
“In an unfortunate incident, one of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on February 12, fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was on wheelchair,” the airline said.
As advised by the airport doctor attending to him after taking ill, the airline said the passenger was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared to have passed away.
Air India said it was in constant touch with the family members of the bereaved, extending necessary assistance, and added that it has a laid down policy to offer wheelchair assistance to all passengers who pre-book the same.