New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised norms for wheelchair services, permitting airlines to levy a fee for wheelchair assistance availed by able-bodied people at airports. According to the new rules, notified on October 29, airlines "may levy appropriate assistance fees from passengers other than persons with disability (Divyangjan) and persons with reduced mobility who opt to use these services", the regulator said. Until now, wheelchair assistance was typically provided without charge. The change brings India's norms closer to global practices, allowing airlines to recover costs for non-mandatory services while continuing to provide full support to passengers with certified disabilities. Aimed at making air travel more inclusive and accountable for passengers with disabilities and those with reduced mobility, the new rules have also laid down clearer obligations for airlines and airport operators on accessibility, assistance, and staff training. According to the amended Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), airlines must provide designated, no-cost accessible seats with extra legroom to passengers with disabilities, which must remain blocked until close to the time of departure. The rules state that airlines must ensure that passengers with disabilities receive assistance from the time they enter the terminal until they exit the destination airport. They are also required to allow passengers to use personal wheelchairs up to the aircraft door wherever possible, and to handle assistive devices such as wheelchairs and prosthetics with utmost care. Any damage or loss will attract compensation equivalent to the cost of repair or replacement, it added. HT had first reported in April that the government was planning to revise accessibility guidelines at airports amid complaints from air travellers of wheelchair shortages and of shoddy equipment....