There is a growing problem on India to US flights. Many healthy passengers are asking for wheelchairs even though they do not need them. They do this to skip long lines and get priority boarding. They also use it to avoid walking long distances at airports. Some reports even joke that 30 percent of passengers become disabled only at the boarding gate. People online call this the wheelchair mafia. Because of this behavior, real disabled passengers sometimes do not get help on time.
This misuse creates delays and puts extra pressure on airline staff. It also makes travel difficult for people who truly need wheelchairs.
Air India has raised concerns about this issue. Staff say most wheelchair requests now come from people who look completely fit. They use this service as an easy shortcut to avoid long queues at immigration and security. They also use it to bypass crowds during boarding.
Because of so many unnecessary requests, ground staff are overworked. As a result, disabled or sick passengers have to wait longer for help. Crew members say this is unfair. They also say it is an abuse of the system.
An Air India official said they cannot refuse anyone who asks for a wheelchair. In India, passengers do not need to show any medical proof. This makes it easy for people to take advantage of the service.
Experts say rules may need to change. Some suggest charging a small fee or asking for basic medical information. Disability groups warn that new rules should not make things harder for genuine users.
For now, Air India staff are struggling to manage a huge number of wheelchair requests. The difference between people who need the service and people who use it for convenience is getting blurred. Real disabled passengers are suffering because of this behavior.
