02/04/2026
Mao DNA 😇😇
Dr Loni Liriina a medical Doctor from Mao Averts Mid-Air Medical Emergency On Tokyo–Delhi Flight
2nd April 2026
New Delhi/Imphal, April 2:
A potentially life-threatening medical emergency aboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi was successfully handled mid-air, thanks to the timely intervention of a doctor from Manipur, preventing what could have escalated into a serious crisis at 35,000 feet.
The incident occurred on Air India Flight AI357, nearly eight hours into the journey, when the cabin crew made an urgent announcement requesting medical assistance for a passenger in distress. With approximately two hours remaining before landing, the situation demanded immediate attention as a young passenger began experiencing severe chest pain and acute breathlessness.
Responding without hesitation, Dr. Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, stepped forward to assist. She was joined by a junior doctor of foreign nationality, and together they began assessing the condition of the 21-year-old passenger, whose symptoms indicated a rapidly deteriorating state.
Upon examination, the patient was found to have an extremely high heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure, and dangerously low oxygen saturation levels of around 80 percent. The passenger also had a history of childhood asthma but had not been undergoing any treatment in recent years, which likely contributed to the severity of the episode.
Working within the limitations of the aircraft’s medical facilities, Dr. Liriina quickly identified the condition as a severe asthma attack and initiated emergency treatment. Using the available onboard equipment, she administered oxygen support and began nebulisation along with necessary medication. Despite the constraints and the high-pressure environment, the response was swift and precise.
Within about thirty minutes, the passenger’s condition showed significant improvement, stabilising enough to rule out the need for an emergency diversion. The cabin crew, who had initially been on high alert and prepared for possible emergency landing procedures, were able to continue the journey as scheduled following the successful intervention.
The flight later landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition, bringing relief to both the crew and fellow passengers who had witnessed the tense moments unfold during the flight.
Speaking about the incident, Dr. Liriina later noted that medical emergencies during flights are not uncommon and often rely on the presence of trained professionals among passengers. Experts suggest that such situations occur roughly once in every 600 flights, and timely intervention can play a crucial role in preventing complications and avoiding costly emergency landings.
Dr. Loni Liriina hails from Senapati district of Manipur and is currently serving in Imphal. Her calm, decisive, and skilled response not only saved a life but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and presence of mind in critical situations.
The incident stands as a reminder that even in highly controlled environments like modern aviation, human expertise and quick action remain vital. In this case, it turned a moment of panic into a story of survival and quiet heroism.
