80-year-old Manoj Kumar arrived at Mumbai airport last month, exhausted after his long flight from New York but excited to be home. Little did he know the ordeal was only beginning.
When their plane landed, Manoj and his wife looked around desperately for a wheelchair to take him to the terminal. But none were to be found. A harried Air India staff person told them all they were in use, and they’d have to wait.
With his health already fragile, Manoj knew waiting was not an option. Gritting his teeth, he insisted on walking with his wife instead. Slowly, painfully, they made their way across the tarmac and into the airport.
More than 1.5 kilometers later, as the terminal finally came into view, Manoj collapsed – his worn-out heart giving out under the strain. Despite paramedics fighting tirelessly, he drew his last breath there on the floor.
The loss has devastated Manoj’s family. “All he wanted was to come home; he didn’t deserve to die like this,” said his daughter weeping. The DGCA launched a probe, fining Air India for failing passengers like Manoj.
In the future, airlines have been ordered to ensure wheelchairs are always available without delay. But for this family, it’s a little too late. “No one else should experience what we’re going through. People deserve basic care,” his son said.
As Manoj’s story highlights, even simple acts of accessibility could save vulnerable lives. His tragic death is a grim reminder for all of us to do better.
