Flying with a Disability or Health Issue? These Are Your Special Rights in India

If you have a disability or reduced mobility, airlines in India cannot refuse to carry you just because of that — they must accommodate you along with assistive devices, escorts and guide dogs where applicable.

You’re supposed to inform them at least 48 hours before departure about your specific needs, and they must make reasonable efforts to seat your escort next to you and brief you on emergency procedures and cabin layout.

Within India, assistive devices and many forms of assistance must be provided without extra cost, and you get priority for transport, clearance and baggage delivery.

All major airports are also required to have doctors, ambulances, medical support equipment and paramedical staff on site to handle emergencies — something we’ve seen used frequently in real incidents shared online by travellers who fell sick mid‑journey.

In case of death or bodily injury on board, there are clear liability limits: up to ₹20 lakh per passenger on domestic flights and up to 113,100 SDR on international routes, though natural‑cause deaths inside the aircraft generally don’t trigger compensation.

I’ve done a detailed video going through every right passengers with disabilities or medical conditions have under DGCA rules — it’s part of my Passenger Rights playlist here

If comfort and accessibility matter to you (extra legroom, aisle access, proximity to washrooms), watch my step‑by‑step guide on choosing the right seat for your body and journey length: [How to Choose the Best Seat on a Flight]