A potentially life-threatening mid-air medical emergency aboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi was successfully managed, thanks to the swift intervention of a doctor on board.

Dr. Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist from the American Oncology Institute at Babina Specialty Hospital, Imphal, stepped in when the cabin crew of Flight AI357 announced a medical emergency nearly eight hours into the journey, with about two hours remaining before landing.

Responding immediately, Dr. Liriina, assisted by a junior doctor of foreign nationality, attended to a 21-year-old passenger suffering from severe chest pain and breathlessness. The patient had a history of childhood asthma but had not been on medication for several years.

On examination, the passenger was found to have a heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg), and oxygen saturation levels of just 80% on room air—indicating acute respiratory distress.

Diagnosing the condition as a severe asthma attack, Dr. Liriina administered emergency treatment using the limited medical resources available onboard, including oxygen support, nebulization, and necessary medication. The patient’s condition stabilised within 30 minutes.

Due to the timely and effective intervention, the flight was able to continue its scheduled journey without requiring an emergency landing. The aircraft later landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

Speaking about the incident, Dr. Liriina noted that in-flight medical emergencies are not uncommon, occurring roughly once in every 600 flights, and often depend on the presence of medically trained passengers for immediate care. Experts say prompt response and basic medical intervention can help avoid costly and disruptive emergency diversions.

Dr. Loni Liriina hails from Senapati district of Manipur and is currently serving at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal.