Health and Medical Assistance​

Have a question regarding your upcoming trip with Air India or its services and products? Find answers to all your queries and make your flying experience with us enjoyable. 

Health and Medical Assistance

We strive to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, including those with medical conditions. Most passengers with medical conditions can fly with Air India by filling out and submitting a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) to help assess their fitness to fly. However, medical clearance is required in the following cases:

Doubtful fitness: If a passenger’s fitness to travel is in doubt due to recent illness, hospitalisation, injury, or surgery.

Existing medical condition: Passengers with pre-existing medical conditions may require medical clearance.

Special services: If you need special services such as oxygen or medical equipment on board.

Medical reasons or treatment: If you are flying for medical reasons or treatment.

If you have a medical condition that may affect your travel, it is essential to reach out to the nearest Air India office. Our staff will provide the necessary assistance to help you obtain medical clearance. Please note that you can only board the flight after we receive and evaluate your completed MEDIF. We are committed to providing the support you need for a worry-free journey.

"In certain circumstances, completing the Medical Information Form before your flight is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Here are the situations that require you to submit a medical information form signed by your physician:

  1. If you require medical assistance on the ground or the flight.
  2. When you plan to use any medical equipment on the flight.
  3. When you require oxygen supply during the flight.
  4. If you need extra space for leg elevation.
  5. If you need a stretcher or incubator onboard.
  6. If you need a stretcher or incubator onboard.

Download the Medical Information Form.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, please submit your medical form at least 14 days before your departure date. However, if your health condition is unstable and rapidly changing, please seek medical clearance within one week of your departure.

Passengers with critical medical conditions or those requiring oxygen during the flight must obtain clearance from an Air India doctor. To facilitate this, passengers are advised to fill out the Medical Information Form and contact the nearest Air India office for guidance.

Your well-being during your journey is our top priority. We are dedicated to making your travel experience as smooth as possible. For more information, refer to our official Health and Medical Assistance page. 

Travelling after a surgery or a significant illness can be challenging and potentially risky, so it’s essential to consider several factors. Here are a few guidelines in case you need to travel post-surgery:

Medication and prescription: If you’ve had surgery and need to travel, it’s advisable to carry the necessary medication with you in your cabin baggage. Ensure you have prescriptions for these medications as well.

Medication storage: Understand that medication cannot be refrigerated on board an aircraft. If your medication requires temperature control, consider carrying a cool bag or vacuum flask. Discuss suitable options with your pharmacist to ensure your medication remains effective.

Medical equipment: For most medical equipment, including devices like nebulisers and ventilators, medical clearance is required. This ensures your equipment is safe to bring on board and use during the flight.

Battery-operated equipment: Keep in mind that your medical equipment must be capable of running on battery power. We cannot guarantee access to the power supply onboard the aircraft.

Usage restrictions: Understand that authorised medical equipment may have usage restrictions during different phases of the flight. Typically, such equipment cannot be used during taxi, take-off, approach, and landing for safety reasons.

Travelling after surgery or illness requires careful planning and consideration of your health. It is essential to prioritise your well-being and ensure you have everything you need to manage your condition during the journey. Always consult your healthcare provider before making travel plans, as they can provide specific guidance based on your medical history and current condition. We are here to support you in any way we can to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

Passengers with reduced mobility or those with certified medical conditions can request wheelchair assistance.

Medical officers at Air India will review the medical information submitted with your wheelchair  request  to approve the required resources, a wheelchair and an assistant.

We are committed to making your travel experience as smooth as possible, and wheelchair assistance is free.

Additional information

We highly recommend requesting wheelchairs in advance, either during your flight booking process or at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. This proactive approach helps avoid last-minute delays or non-availability of wheelchairs.

Download and complete a Medical Information Form for passengers requiring special assistance. Parts of this form must be completed and signed by your physician. Submit the completed form online through reservations with a medical certificate detailing your condition.

Please note that the process for approval from our medical officer may take up to 72 hours. In certain regions, including Canada, it might take five working days.

Specify your requirements during booking. When you book your the flight, provide details about the nature of assistance you require during boarding, the flight, and disembarkation. Please specify if you require assistance on steps, at the aircraft entrance, or to get to your seat. This ensures necessary arrangements are made to accommodate your needs.

Yes. For battery-powered wheelchairs (or any battery-powered mobility aid), our team needs to know the number and type of batteries on the device to confirm it is safe for onboard use.

For information on acceptable battery types, please visit our wheelchair assistance page.

If you plan to carry your battery-powered mobility aids or wheelchairs on board an Air India flight, here’s what you need to do:

Declaration

Inform us at least 48 hours before your flight to comply with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. You will need to share the following details:

Number of batteries installed.

Whether the battery is detachable.

Watt-hour (WH) rating of each battery or, if not known, the ampere-hour (AH) rating and voltage.

Carry the manufacturer’s certificate.

Type of batteries allowed

Non-spillable battery: dry, gel-type, or sealed wet battery

Spillable battery: wet battery

Lithium battery: Lithium ion

Battery limitations

Battery on your mobility aid must not exceed 300 WH

For dual batteries, each must not exceed 160 WH.

One spare battery, up to 300 WH, or two spares, up to 160 WH each.

Important notes

Ensure your wheelchair is manoeuvrable through airport areas.

Wheelchair is collected at the aircraft entrance and returned on arrival.

If not returned immediately on arrival, an airline wheelchair will be provided till baggage claim.

Additional information

One mobility aid is carried for free in addition to the baggage allowance.

You will need special permission for mobility aids over 30 kg.

Some airports may check aids into the hold and return on arrival. In such cases, assistance will be provided.

Your comfort and safety matter to us. Complying with these regulations will help us ensure your journey is smooth.

If you require oxygen on board an Air India flight, we’re here to guide you through the simple process:

Prerequisite: Passengers needing special services such as oxygen or medical equipment must obtain medical clearance. Air India will provide onboard oxygen, and passengers cannot carry their cylinders.

Procedure: Start by downloading the Medical Information Form. Your physician should complete and sign this form. Once ready, please submit it to the nearest Air India office.

Processing: The approval for oxygen requests typically takes up to 72 hours. However, in some locations, including Canada, it may take up to five working days.

Booking: Passengers requiring continuous oxygen supply will be booked exclusively on short-haul, nonstop flights.

Charges: If you are travelling with a medical requirement for an oxygen mask and cylinder, please note that there will be a separate charge. The latest charges for oxygen services are as follows:

An oxygen mask (per unit) is available for INR 22885 or USD 275 (all-inclusive charges). Please note that the charge is for the mask only, which is single-use.

Oxygen cylinders (per bottle) are available separately at INR 4160 or USD 50 (all-inclusive charges) per bottle.

Stretcher services are subject to availability, and bookings are accepted only after clearance from Air India’s medical services department and the chief medical officer.

Stretcher bookings are available for one-way journeys on domestic and international flights, for travel in economy class. Passengers using a stretcher must be accompanied by a non-disabled adult who can attend to their medical needs.

Find out more by contacting your nearest Air India office.

We offer a variety of special meals to accommodate your dietary preferences and restrictions. You can choose from any of the options mentioned below when booking your flight:

Diabetic meal: Designed for passengers with diabetes, this meal includes low-salt, low-fat products and high-fibre fruits and vegetables.

Gluten-free meal: This meal option is ideal for our guests who are intolerant to gluten. It includes ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, rice, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. We ensure gluten-rich products like bread, pasta, cakes, and chocolates are excluded from this meal.

Fruit platter meal: The meal includes seasonal fruits that are suitable for passengers who are fasting or have dietary needs. It does not contain additives or preservatives.

Vegan meal: This meal is specially curated for our vegan guests. It does not contain animal products or by-products, including eggs, dairy, or honey.

Additional information

  • You must order these menu options on our website at least 24 hours before departure. 
  • All our dietary meals are vegetarian.
  • You can find out more about our inflight dining experience here.

At Air India, we understand the importance of accommodating passengers who rely on service animals for assistance. Here are the requirements and guidelines for travelling with service animals:

If you have a service dog trained to assist passengers with impaired vision or hearing, your furry companion can travel with you free of charge.

To bring your service animal on board, you must provide medically established or supported documents that validate your need for the service animal.

To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, the service dog must be properly harnessed and muzzled.

While the service dog may be permitted to enter the cabin, please note that it cannot occupy a seat.

It’s essential to request your service dog’s accommodation when booking your flight.

Be aware that individual country regulations for the carriage of service dogs must be met. For example, in the US, service dogs in training do not qualify as service animals.

We understand the unique needs of your passengers. When booking your flight, please inform us of your service animal so we can ensure a seamless journey for you and your furry helper.

Sometimes, air travel can cause mild discomfort, especially during take-off and landing, due to changes in cabin pressure. To prevent earaches and reduce discomfort, consider the following tips:

Chew gum or suck on candy: This can help regulate the pressure in your ears by promoting jaw movement.

Yawn or swallow: Gently yawning or swallowing can help equalise the pressure in your ears. You can do this consciously, especially during ascent and descent.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Staying hydrated can help keep the mucous membranes in your ears moist.

Earplugs or cotton plugs: Consider using filtered earplugs or cotton plugs for air travel. They can help regulate pressure changes during the flight.

Nasal decongestants: If you have sinus congestion, consider using a nasal decongestant before your flight, following your doctor’s recommendations.

Ear drops: Over-the-counter ear drops, like those used for swimmers, may help alleviate ear discomfort by lubricating the ear canal.

To prevent or reduce jet lag during long flights with significant time differences, consider these key fixes:

Adjust your sleep schedule: Gradually shift your sleep cycle before your departure to align with your destination’s time zone.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your flight to prevent dehydration.

Limit alcohol and caffeine: Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption during the flight, as they can disrupt sleep.

Sleep on the flight: If your journey coincides with nighttime at your destination, try to rest on the plane.

Stay active: Perform in-seat exercises to improve circulation.

Stay awake until local bedtime: Upon arrival, resist the urge to sleep until the local bedtime to aid in adjusting to the new time zone.

Maintain patience: Understand that your body may take a day or two to fully adapt.

In most places, requirements to carry proof of vaccination or show negative PRC test results have been lifted. Policies may be dynamic and vary by country. We recommend you check the official government website for your destination for the most up-to-date information.

 

If you are visiting India, read Covid-19 guidelines from the Minisitry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.