Airlines can now levy fee for wheelchair service by able-bodied passengers

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended its rules to allow airlines to charge able-bodied passengers who opt for wheelchair services at airports.

In a notification, the regulator revised the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on the Carriage by Air – Persons with Disability (Divyangjan) and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility, stating:

“Airline may levy appropriate assistance fee from passengers other than persons with disability (Divyangjan) and persons with reduced mobility who opt to use these services. The same shall be displayed on the airline’s website.”

The DGCA had released a draft of the revised rules in August, inviting public feedback until September 19, after receiving multiple complaints about wheelchair booking practices by airlines and airport operators.

Under the new norms, passengers who request wheelchair assistance must report to the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure to ensure timely support. Airlines may prescribe a minimum reporting time based on airport-specific factors such as terminal layout, security checks, and available resources.

While airlines remain responsible for providing wheelchairs as per passenger requests captured during booking, airport operators are required to keep additional wheelchairs available for convenience. Airlines must also allow assistive devices to be carried free of charge on aircraft.

The revised CAR further mandates clear signage throughout airports, including designated drop-off points and seating areas near PRM (persons with reduced mobility) counters. Airports must ensure these areas remain reserved and easily accessible for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

The DGCA said airports must deploy an adequate number of staff to assist such passengers and follow accessibility standards issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.