'Left Me Disabled In Truest Sense': Why Did Woman On Wheelchair Slam Airline

In recent times, the air travel industry has faced increasing scrutiny for its treatment of passengers with disabilities. A recent incident involving IndiGo Airlines has come under the spotlight, bringing to light the challenges faced by individuals with mobility impairments. Virali Modi, a disability activist, took to social media to share her disheartening experience during a flight from Delhi to Mumbai on December 5, 2023, aboard IndiGo's flight.

Modi began her account of the incident by shedding light on the oversight that occurred when the cabin crew forgot to deplane her for a staggering 40 minutes after the flight landed. This lapse, she emphasised, made her feel "disabled in the truest sense." As a wheelchair user since 2006, Modi relies on the airline's assistance to ensure a seamless journey. However, the lack of attention and inaccessible call button compounded the issue, leaving her unable to alert the crew about the oversight. 

A Missing Wheelchair and a Stolen Cushion

Adding to the ordeal, Modi revealed that her request for a wheelchair at the gate went unanswered. The subsequent wait for her personal wheelchair at the baggage claim extended to 30 minutes, as no one bothered to bring it up from the aircraft. This delay not only disrupted her journey but also impeded her independence.

The situation took a distressing turn when Modi discovered that her personalised wheelchair cushion was missing upon reaching home. The cushion, specifically designed to prevent sores and back issues, had not been delivered along with her wheelchair. Modi expressed her frustration, narrating a 55-minute wait without receiving any apology or resolution from the airline.

A Cry for Dignity

Indigo Airlines does NOT care about their passengers with disabilities. I’ve been paralysed from the waist down since 2006 and I use a wheelchair for mobility. I flew from Delhi to Mumbai on 5th December, 2023 on flight number 6E-864. After everyone deplaned, the cabin crew…

— Virali Modi (@Virali01) December 6, 2023

Expressing her frustration, Modi voiced her feelings on social media, emphasising how the airline not only compromised her dignity and independence but also disrupted her peace of mind. The incident garnered widespread attention, with many sharing their sentiments on the inadequacies of IndiGo's services for passengers with disabilities.

However, in a subsequent update, Modi revealed that she is in contact with IndiGo, who has committed to crafting a customisable cushion according to her wheelchair's specifications and delivering it promptly.

Previous Accessibility Challenges

This incident is not the first time  Modi has faced accessibility challenges. She previously encountered difficulties at the registrar's office during her marriage, where she had to navigate multiple floors despite relying on a wheelchair for mobility.