Epilepsy – Air India Faces Criticism After Teen Passenger Deboarded in Dubai
Epilepsy -A teenage passenger was reportedly asked to leave an Air India flight from Dubai to Delhi after informing the cabin crew that she has a medically controlled epilepsy condition. The incident triggered widespread discussion on social media after her father alleged that the airline’s decision was unfair and discriminatory, raising concerns about how airlines handle passengers with pre-existing medical conditions.
Father Raises Concerns Over Airline Decision
The girl’s father, journalist Praveen Swami, shared details of the incident on X, expressing anger over the airline’s decision. According to his posts, his daughter disclosed to the flight crew that she has epilepsy, although the condition has remained under control for several years. He also stated that she was carrying prescribed emergency medication and had not experienced a seizure in years.
Swami argued that the family has travelled extensively on international airlines without ever being asked to provide a “fit to fly” certificate because of her condition. He questioned the requirement for such a document, saying no medical professional can accurately predict whether a seizure will occur. He also tagged the Union Civil Aviation Minister while seeking attention to the matter.
Legal Action Warning and Disability Rights Concerns
In subsequent social media posts, Swami alleged that his daughter had been treated unfairly despite living a normal life with a controlled medical condition. He maintained that people with disabilities and long-term medical conditions deserve equal dignity and should not face discrimination while travelling.
He further stated that he intended to explore legal action against those responsible, citing provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. According to him, the incident reflected outdated attitudes toward individuals living with epilepsy and highlighted the need for greater awareness and sensitivity.
Passenger Later Allowed to Travel
The teenager was eventually accommodated on an early morning Air India flight to Delhi. However, Swami claimed the experience had been emotionally distressing for his daughter. He alleged that the situation was resolved only after a doctor provided assurances regarding her medical condition, adding that no passenger should have to face such circumstances simply for honestly disclosing a health issue.
He also expressed hope that the airline would review its internal procedures to ensure similar situations are avoided in the future, particularly when passengers have stable and medically managed conditions.
Social Media Users Question Airline’s Approach
The incident attracted significant attention online, with many users extending support to the family and questioning the airline’s handling of the case. Several social media users described the reported treatment as inappropriate and urged airlines to adopt more balanced policies for passengers with chronic medical conditions.
One user pointed to information available on Air India’s website regarding epilepsy. According to the guidance cited online, passengers who have experienced an epileptic episode may travel after 24 hours if the condition is controlled and they take their prescribed medication before the flight. The reference led some users to question whether the reported decision was consistent with the airline’s published guidelines.
Air India Yet to Issue Detailed Statement
At the time the incident gained public attention, Air India had not released a detailed official statement addressing the allegations. The airline responded to Swami’s social media posts by acknowledging his concerns and indicating that the matter would be examined.
Later, Swami informed followers that an Air India representative had contacted the family and was working to resolve the situation. While welcoming the assistance, he reiterated that airline procedures relating to passengers with controlled medical conditions should be carefully reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.