A routine IndiGo flight from Delhi to Aizawl turned into a medical emergency when a passenger with chronic kidney disease struggled to breathe. Thanks to the quick actions of doctors on board, the passenger was stabilized mid-flight and received urgent care upon landing.
Medical Emergency Unfolds on Flight
On 3 October, a passenger with chronic kidney disease traveling for a dialysis-related check-up suddenly experienced severe breathlessness on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Aizawl. The passenger’s oxygen saturation dropped dangerously low to around 40 percent, alarming those on board. Doctors traveling on the flight immediately offered their assistance to address the crisis.
Doctors Step In and Stabilize Patient
When the cabin crew called for medical help, three Mizo doctors along with a senior medical practitioner stepped forward. Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga (General Surgeon), Dr F Remthangpuii (Paediatrician), and Dr Benjamin Khiangte (Gastroenterologist) provided emergency care during the flight. They administered oxygen via mask, raising oxygen levels to 60 percent, and after giving steroids, improved levels reached approximately 90 percent.
The flight’s pilot was prepared to divert to Kolkata for an emergency landing. However, once the passenger’s condition stabilized, the flight continued to its destination in Aizawl.
Continuing Care After Landing
Despite initial stabilization, the passenger’s condition worsened again later during the flight, prompting the doctors to consider intubation. Due to limited emergency equipment onboard, they arranged for an ambulance to be ready upon arrival at Lengpui Airport in Mizoram.
Upon landing, the passenger was transferred to the ambulance and intubated with proper equipment. The doctors contacted hospitals in Aizawl and secured an ICU bed at LRM Hospital. They accompanied the patient, who had the breathing tube removed the following night and underwent dialysis. Fortunately, the passenger is now stable.
- The doctors stayed with the patient, leaving their own luggage behind, and Dr Benjamin Khiangte continued to care for the patient after the emergency.
