Aviation watchdog the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday reportedly imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on India’s largest airline IndiGo, after a special child with reduced mobility along with his parents were denied boarding at Ranchi Airport. It is learnt that the Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia is himself investigating the matter and has ensured that appropriate action would be taken. It is pertinent to note that any airline needs to have assistance booths/counters at airports with the international symbol of disability displayed prominently within the visible proximity of the main entrance of the arrival/departure terminal, informing where they may contact for special assistance. Assistance is provided to persons with disability (PwDs) by the airport employees. Those with a physical disability or a neurological disorder or with a medical condition, who require individual attention or assistance on boarding/deplaning, during the flight and during ground handling need to be given special assistance in order to make their journey comfortable. This requirement will be apparent from special requests made by the passenger or by their family or by a medical authority at the time of making a booking.
