New Delhi: Airlines can now charge for wheelchair services availed by able-bodied people at airports, with aviation regulator DGCA revising the norms.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) pertaining to Carriage by Air - Persons with Disability (Divyangjan) and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility'.
"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 said.
The regulator had last month issued the draft civil aviation requirement on the use of wheelchairs at the airports, seeking comments from the public by September 19, following multiple complaints against both airlines and airport operators over wheelchair bookings.
According to the revised norms, to facilitate the timely provision of necessary assistance, passengers who have requested such support will report to the airport sufficiently in advance of their scheduled departure time.Considering airport-specific constraints such as terminal layout, security procedures, and resource availability, airlines may prescribe a minimum reporting time to facilitate seamless assistance, as per the revised CAR.
Although the basic responsibility for providing wheelchairs is that of the airline operator as such requests are captured through the airline's booking and reservation systems. Further, airport operator shall provide extra wheelchairs wherever required for the convenience of their passengers, it said, adding that airlines should allow carriage of assistive devices free of charge on aircraft.
Also, as per the revised CAR, airlines may levy an appropriate assistance fee on passengers other than persons with disability (Divyangjan) and persons with reduced mobility who opt to use it, and it will be displayed on the airline's website.Airport building operator will display signage throughout the airport, including terminal areas, in a clear and unambiguous manner as per international standards. Airports to display a signage board for a reserved drop-off point for persons with proper visibility or reduced mobility before entering the airport, with proper visibility for taxis.
Further, airports are to ensure that reserved drop-off points remain vacant for persons with disability (Divyangjan) or reduced mobility, the DGCA said.Further airports to provide seating arrangement near the dedicated PRM counter, which is in close proximity and easily accessible from drop off area, the revised CAR stated.Airport operator will ensure that an adequate number of designated persons are available at the off-zone point to assist persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) or reduced mobility, it said.
Signages/markings reserved for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) or reduced mobility in all spaces (including floors) in the terminal building should be clearly indicated, as with disability (Divyangjan) or reduced mobility should Aviation per the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
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