‘Crew Appeared In Panic’: Manipur Doctor Averts Mid-Air Medical Emergency On Tokyo-Delhi Flight

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 07:31 IST

Liriina, assisted by a junior doctor of foreign nationality, attended to a 21-year-old passenger who was experiencing severe chest pain and breathlessness.

A potentially serious medical emergency aboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi was handled mid-air after a doctor from Manipur stepped in to assist a passenger who suddenly fell ill.

Dr. Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist currently serving at the Americal Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, was among the passengers on Flight AI-357 on February 28, 2026, when the incident occurred nearly eight hours into the flight.

Liriina, assisted by a junior doctor of foreign nationality, attended to a 21-year-old passenger who was experiencing severe chest pain and breathlessness.

“About two hours before landing, an announcement was made seeking immediate medical assistance. When I went to check, the crew appeared to be in panic," Dr Liriina said.

Nearly eight hours into the flight, a young woman passenger developed severe chest pain and breathlessness. She was found to have a rapid heart rate of around 160 beats per minute, along with low blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels of about 80%.

Dr Liriina provided immediate medical care, administering oxygen support, nebulisation and necessary medication.

Within about 30 minutes, the passenger’s condition stabilised, eliminating the need for an emergency landing. The aircraft later landed safely in New Delhi, and the passenger was reported to be in stable condition.

“By the grace of God, this is a situation we deal with on a daily basis in my workplace. We used the medicines available on board, and everything went smoothly. The flight was able to continue to its destination," the doctor added.

The incident was also shared on social media, where users praised the doctor for her prompt response and intervention that helped avert a potentially disastrous situation.

“Real heroes don’t always wear uniforms sometimes they are passengers on a flight. Quick thinking and medical expertise from Dr. Loni Liriina turned a mid-air emergency into a life saved on Air India Flight AI-357. Proud moment for Manipur and a reminder that dedication to saving lives has no boundaries," one user wrote.

“You are a true Hero," added another. A third user commented, “Real heroes don’t wear capes… they just show up when it matters."

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