Special Assistance: Wheelchair, Medical, and Minors

Overview

We aim to make air travel accessible and safe for every passenger. Whether you need wheelchair assistance, travel with medical equipment, are flying with a service animal, or are arranging travel for an unaccompanied minor, we have dedicated teams and services to help. This guide explains the assistance types available, how to arrange them, what to bring, and how we keep you supported from booking all the way to your destination.

Types of Assistance Available

• Wheelchair assistance -From check-in to boarding, through connections, and on arrival. Options include wheelchair to the aircraft, on-board wheelchair, or full assistance through the airport.
• Medical equipment -Portable oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, nebulisers, and mobility devices can be brought on board or checked. Battery and power specifications must be confirmed in advance.
• Service animals -Trained service animals travel in the cabin at no cost, subject to documentation and destination regulations.
• Unaccompanied minor service -For children travelling alone, our staff provides escorted care from check-in to handover at the destination.
• Vision, hearing, and cognitive support -Pre-boarding, safety briefings in preferred formats, and staff assistance on request.
• Language assistance -Multilingual staff and interpreters at main airports including Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

How to Arrange Assistance

1. Add the request to your booking -During purchase or in Manage Booking, select the assistance type you need.
2. Notify us at least 48 hours before travel -Some services require advance notice so that staff and equipment can be arranged at every airport on your itinerary.
3. Upload supporting documents where required -Examples include a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) for certain conditions, an unaccompanied minor form, or service animal documentation.
4. Arrive at the airport early -We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights when travelling with assistance.

At the Airport

• Present at the service desk or priority counter on arrival. Staff will collect you and guide you through check-in, security, and the departure gate.
• You will be pre-boarded before general boarding begins.
• On arrival, a wheelchair or dedicated assistant will meet you at the aircraft door and take you through immigration and to baggage.
• For onward connections, your assistance request is transferred automatically to the connecting flight.

Unaccompanied Minors

Our unaccompanied minor service provides professional care throughout the journey:

• Children are checked in by a parent or guardian with a completed unaccompanied minor form.
• A dedicated staff member escorts the child through security and boarding.
• Cabin crew provide in-flight supervision, meals, and age-appropriate entertainment.
• On arrival, we release the child only to the nominated adult with valid photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Information

Your rights to accessible travel are protected under DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and enforced by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Air India and our partner airlines adhere to these requirements at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and every station we serve.

Need Help?

Our special assistance team is available during 24/7 operations. For in-person assistance, visit the service desk at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).