(a) whether some cases, wherein differently-abled fliers have been asked to sign indemnity bonds, have come to the notice of the Government during the last three years and the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government against such airlines; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to do away with such practice and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken in this regard?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Dr. Mahesh Sharma)
(a) to (c) Yes, Madam. One such case was received by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and was taken up with the airline. As per the airline, the passenger was asked to sign an Indemnity Form not because the passenger was a disabled person but on account of fact that she had undergone a surgery and was in pain. DGCA has reviewed regulation from time to time and updated Civil Aviation Requirements based on the suggestion/feedbacks received from the stakeholders.
DGCA has recently issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section-3, Air Tranasport, Series-M, Part-I on `Carriage by Air of Persons with Disability and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility`.
As per par 4.1.25 of the CAR, airlines shall not insist on medical certificate or special forms from persons with disability or reduced mobility who wish to travel without an escort and only require special assistance at an airport for embarking/disembarking and a reasonable accommodation in flight.