Manipur Doctor Saves Passenger Mid-Air on AI Flight
A Manipur-based doctor saved a passenger mid-air on an Air India Tokyo-Delhi flight, stabilising the patient and preventing an emergency landing.
IMPHAL- A potential mid-air medical emergency aboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi was successfully managed after a doctor on board intervened to stabilise a critically ill passenger.
The incident occurred on February 28, 2026, on Flight AI-357, approximately eight hours into the journey. A 21-year-old female passenger reportedly developed severe chest pain and breathlessness, prompting concern among the cabin crew and fellow passengers.
Dr. Loni Lirina, a critical care physician from Senapati district in Manipur, who was travelling on the same flight, responded to the situation. She is currently associated with the American Oncology Institute at Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal.
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According to accounts of the incident, the passenger exhibited a rapid heart rate of around 160 beats per minute, along with low blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels of approximately 80 percent—indicators of a potentially serious medical condition.
Dr. Liriina provided immediate medical assistance using the resources available onboard. She administered oxygen support, carried out nebulisation, and provided necessary medication to stabilise the patient. Within approximately 30 minutes, the passenger’s condition improved significantly.
The timely intervention helped avoid the need for an emergency landing, allowing the flight to continue safely to its destination in New Delhi. Upon landing, the passenger was reported to be in stable condition.
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Speaking about the incident, Dr. Liriina noted that such situations are part of her professional routine, emphasising the importance of prompt response and effective use of available medical resources.
The episode drew attention on social media platforms, where several users commended the doctor’s swift action and professional competence. Comments highlighted the role of trained medical professionals in emergency situations, even outside conventional clinical settings.
The incident underscores the importance of medical preparedness in aviation contexts and highlights how individual expertise can play a critical role in managing unforeseen emergencies.
