Three doctors on a Delhi‑Aizawl flight treated a kidney‑disease patient who fell to 40% oxygen saturation on 23 September 2024, stabilizing him before a scheduled emergency landing. The passenger’s oxygen level dropped from 60% to 40% as his breathing worsened; the cabin crew called for medical help and Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga, Dr Remthangpuii and Dr Benjamin Khiangte sprang into action, administering oxygen and steroids.
The pilot was ready to divert to Kolkata if the patient failed to recover, but the doctors’ intervention brought the saturation to nearly 90% and the flight continued to Aizawl. Hours later, the patient’s condition deteriorated again, prompting the doctors to consider intubation. Lacking the necessary equipment, ground staff arranged an ambulance at Lengpui Airport, and the trio intubated the patient on board using the aircraft’s limited supplies.
Upon touchdown, the patient was immediately transferred to the ambulance, where the doctors completed the intubation and coordinated with LRM Hospital to secure an ICU bed. The patient received urgent dialysis, was extubated the following night, and is now reported to be in stable condition.
The incident highlights the critical role of medical professionals on commercial flights and the importance of rapid emergency protocols, as noted by the airline’s chief medical officer, who praised the crew’s swift response.
Authorities have called for a review of onboard medical equipment standards to ensure future crews are better prepared for similar emergencies.