Television host and actor Mini Mathur has publicly criticised IndiGo Airlines for what she described as poor treatment of senior citizens at Mumbai airport, alleging that her 86-year-old father had to walk nearly a kilometre to the boarding gate despite pre-booked wheelchair assistance. The actor shared her concerns on Instagram, tagging the airline and detailing the difficulties faced by her father during his travel. IndiGo has not issued any public statement so far, but Mini later said the airline “swung into action” after her post.
She wrote, "Dear IndiGo! I don't usually use Instagram to shame /complain. But you really need to treat senior citizens better at Mumbai airport. 1) There is no separate counter for wheelchair passengers to check in... 2) The rude woman at the counter refuses to check in their hand luggage (like... how do they carry cabin luggage if they can't walk) 3) Pre-booked wheelchairs are NOT available either."
Her post quickly drew attention online, with many users reacting to the issue of airport accessibility for senior citizens.
She added, "My 86-year-old father had to WALK to the gate 1 km away WITH this cabin luggage. No buggy arrangement either. A brand that does not treat age with compassion can never age well."
Through her post, the actor highlighted what she saw as a larger issue of how elderly passengers are treated at busy airports, especially when assistance is pre-booked.
She wrote, "I'm glad that my story made an immediate impact and that @indigo.6e swung into action to make it better for my dad. Here's hoping this will find its way to better support and respect for senior citizens across all airlines and airports in India. So.. thanks team Indigo.. Giving credit when it's due."
As of now, IndiGo Airlines has not issued any public response to her claims.
The episode has once again sparked conversation around accessibility and dignity for senior citizens at Indian airports — an issue that often surfaces only when someone with a public voice speaks up.
Mini Mathur asks IndiGo to treat senior citizens “better”
In an Instagram Story, Mini addressed the airline directly and raised specific concerns about facilities for elderly passengers.She wrote, "Dear IndiGo! I don't usually use Instagram to shame /complain. But you really need to treat senior citizens better at Mumbai airport. 1) There is no separate counter for wheelchair passengers to check in... 2) The rude woman at the counter refuses to check in their hand luggage (like... how do they carry cabin luggage if they can't walk) 3) Pre-booked wheelchairs are NOT available either."
Her post quickly drew attention online, with many users reacting to the issue of airport accessibility for senior citizens.
“My 86-year-old father had to WALK to the gate”
Mini further described what her father allegedly went through at the airport.She added, "My 86-year-old father had to WALK to the gate 1 km away WITH this cabin luggage. No buggy arrangement either. A brand that does not treat age with compassion can never age well."
Through her post, the actor highlighted what she saw as a larger issue of how elderly passengers are treated at busy airports, especially when assistance is pre-booked.
Airline acts after post, says Mini
In a later Instagram Story, Mini shared an update and acknowledged that the situation improved after her public complaint.She wrote, "I'm glad that my story made an immediate impact and that @indigo.6e swung into action to make it better for my dad. Here's hoping this will find its way to better support and respect for senior citizens across all airlines and airports in India. So.. thanks team Indigo.. Giving credit when it's due."
As of now, IndiGo Airlines has not issued any public response to her claims.
The episode has once again sparked conversation around accessibility and dignity for senior citizens at Indian airports — an issue that often surfaces only when someone with a public voice speaks up.