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

The aircraft landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

02 Apr 2026, 18:15 · www.ndtv.com

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A doctor from Manipur saved a passenger's life on Air India flight AI357 from Tokyo to Delhi
Dr Loni Liriina treated a 21-year-old woman suffering a severe asthma attack mid-flight
The passenger showed rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and low oxygen saturation levels

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A doctor from Manipur saved a passenger's life on an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi on February 28, The Assam Tribune reported. Dr Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist at American Oncology Institute in Imphal, responded to a medical emergency on Flight AI357, treating a 21-year-old passenger suffering from a severe asthma attack.

"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.

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The passenger, a young woman, experienced severe chest pain and breathlessness nearly eight hours into the flight. She had a rapid heart rate of around 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels of about 80%. Dr Liriina administered emergency treatment, including oxygen support, nebulisation and medication.

The patient's condition stabilised within 30 minutes, avoiding an emergency landing. The aircraft landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

Watch the video here:

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"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.

In-flight medical emergencies occur roughly once in every 600 flights, often relying on medically trained passengers for immediate care.

The case was also shared on social media platforms, with users praising the doctor for her prompt response and medical intervention that helped prevent 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.

"A real hero, saving a life trumps every other achievement," said another.

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