Airport wheelchair abuse shows our love for gaming the system

Chetan BhagatTNN
Jan 18, 2026 | 16:55 IST
The real victims are those with disabilities who are viewed with suspicion by airline staff

As we modernise our infrastructure, there is a need to improve civic education as well. Breaking rules shouldn’t be cool. Following them well should be. As that cultural shift will take a while, we should, meanwhile, have heavy penalties for misuse of wheelchairs

Did you know that many Indians have a unique medical condition? When it comes to catching flights at airports, particularly international ones, they are suddenly unable to walk. A CISF survey in 2024 suggested that approximately 12% of travellers from Indian airports taking international flights book wheelchairs.

Sure, there are people with genuine mobility issues and need wheelchair support. However, it is hard to believe that one in eight Indians can’t walk.
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