On December 6, 2025, an Air India flight AI-1814 from Bhubaneswar to Delhi turned into a scene of collective action when an elderly passenger collapsed mid-flight. Anand Bajpai, a Hyderabad-based professional and fellow passenger, recounted the event in a LinkedIn post that has since gone viral, praising the swift response of the crew and passengers who came together to assist the stricken man.
Bajpai had interacted with the elderly couple during boarding, agreeing to a seat exchange. Midway through the flight, the man suddenly lost consciousness, causing panic among some passengers. Amid the chaos, a few individuals stepped forward to manage the situation. A fellow passenger, identified as a stockbroker, acted as the first responder, while a doctor on board provided medical assistance. The Air India cabin crew quickly coordinated efforts to handle the emergency.
The unconscious passenger was moved to the rear of the aircraft to create more space for treatment. Once he began to regain consciousness, those assisting focused on keeping him alert by engaging him in conversation about family, home, life, and profession. Bajpai noted that these normal human conversations helped to prevent the man from slipping back into unconsciousness.
According to Bajpai, the elderly man gradually became more responsive and was eventually able to joke and converse normally. By the time the aircraft was preparing to land in Delhi, the passenger was stable enough to return to his seat. Bajpai reflected on the incident, questioning whether it was simply a medical emergency or a "societal case study," highlighting the contrasting reactions of panic and helpfulness among the passengers. He lauded the Air India crew as "heroes without capes" for their compassionate and effective response.
Air India has been proactive in enhancing its in-flight medical support. The airline partnered with MedAire to provide emergency healthcare services to passengers and crew, becoming the first Indian airline to integrate such comprehensive medical assistance across its fleet. This partnership provides 24/7 access to emergency physicians and guidance through MedAire's MedLink app, enabling the crew to handle medical situations effectively and reduce the likelihood of flight diversions. In situations where diversion is necessary, MedAire can recommend the most suitable airport and alert them to handle the medical emergency.
This incident on flight AI-1814 highlights the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in medical emergencies, as well as the crucial role that airline crew and fellow passengers can play in saving lives. Anand Bajpai's account serves as a reminder of the potential for human empathy and collective action in times of crisis.
