3 doctors help stabilise dialysis patient mid-air on Delhi-Aizawl flight

Aizawl: Three doctors travelling on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Aizawl came to the aid of a dialysis patient who developed severe breathing difficulty mid-air, helping stabilise him and ensuring he received critical care after landing in Mizoram.

The medical emergency occurred shortly after the flight took off from Delhi on 3 October, 2026, when the passenger, who was undergoing dialysis and was travelling back to Mizoram, suddenly developed severe breathing difficulty. His oxygen saturation reportedly fell to around 40 per cent, prompting the cabin crew to seek medical assistance from passengers on board. 

Three doctors- Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga, a general surgeon; Dr F Remthangpui, a paediatrician; and Dr Benjamin Khiangte, a gastroenterologist- responded to the call and immediately assessed the passenger. Oxygen was administered through a mask, but his oxygen saturation initially improved only to around 60 per cent. After the doctors administered steroids, the level rose to approximately 90 per cent.

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With the passenger showing some improvement, the pilot, who had been prepared to divert the aircraft to Kolkata if required, continued the flight towards Aizawl on the doctors’ assessment that the journey could proceed.

However, the situation deteriorated again when the passenger suffered another significant drop in oxygen levels. The doctors considered intubation, but the equipment required for the procedure was not available on board. They therefore alerted ground staff at Lengpui Airport and asked for an ambulance to be kept ready before the aircraft landed, reports TOI. 

The ambulance had oxygen support but did not have the equipment needed for intubation. The passenger was consequently taken to Lengpui Community Health Centre, where the doctors were able to provide breathing support using an intubation set.

The doctors then contacted hospitals in Mizoram to locate an available ICU bed. After securing one at LRM Hospital, the patient was sedated and shifted there for further treatment. Two of the doctors accompanied him to the hospital, while the third remained at the airport to manage their belongings.

By Saturday night, the patient had been taken off breathing support and underwent dialysis. His condition subsequently improved, and he was reported to be stable and no longer in critical condition.