The revered public sector entity, air india, a stalwart in the indian aviation sector, has been dealt a substantial blow as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) levies a hefty fine of ₹30 lakh on the airline. This decision has sent shockwaves through the industry, causing a sudden decline in air India's shares and prompting international organizations to weigh in on the matter.

The primary cause for this punitive action is the inadequate infrastructure at airports nationwide. Concerns have been raised about airlines charging substantial fees without ensuring basic facilities for passengers. Instances of clashes between passengers and flight crews at various locations have further accentuated the need for robust infrastructure.

The DGCA, in response to these issues, recently issued circulars to all aviation organizations, emphasizing the non-negotiable importance of infrastructure. However, the incident that triggered the severe penalty for air india involved the tragic loss of life. A elderly couple, arriving in mumbai from the united states on an air india flight, faced a distressing situation.

The 80-year-old husband, who was unwell, requested a wheelchair to navigate the terminal. Regrettably, due to the airline staff's negligence, the request was unheeded. After waiting for two hours, the couple proceeded to the terminal on foot, leading to exhaustion. Tragically, the husband collapsed at the immigration department and succumbed to the strain despite immediate medical attention.

This incident garnered nationwide attention, prompting the DGCA to launch an investigation and take decisive action against air India. The imposition of a ₹30 lakh fine reflects the severity of the lapse in providing adequate support, such as wheelchairs, especially for elderly passengers. Additionally, the DGCA has recommended that airlines ensure an ample supply of wheelchairs based on passenger traffic to prevent such incidents in the future.