Pooja Rajakumaran, an Indian expatriate nurse based in the United Arab Emirates, came to the rescue during a medical emergency on an Air India Express flight. Shortly after take-off, a female passenger became critically ill. Pooja immediately stepped in to help. 

Flight Details

• Flight: Air India Express IX530
• Route: Dubai → Thiruvananthapuram
• Date: July 1, 2026
• Altitude during incident: Approximately 35,000 feet

Pooja was returning home to Kerala and planned to rest during the flight. Minutes after take-off, the cabin crew made an urgent announcement asking whether a doctor or nurse was on board.

Immediate Response

Without hesitation, Pooja unfastened her seat belt and identified herself to the cabin crew.

She later said:

“The moment I heard that call, my professional instincts took over.”

She explained that nurses are trained to respond immediately whenever someone needs medical assistance. 

Passenger’s Condition 

The patient was a wheelchair-bound female passenger who was travelling back to India after undergoing physiotherapy in Dubai. She was recovering from a recent mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment.  

When Pooja examined the passenger, she found that her pulse was weak and she was suffering from severe dizziness. The woman was drifting in and out of consciousness, with cold, trembling hands and extreme fatigue. She also showed signs of anxiety and general weakness.  

Pooja later recalled:

“Considering her condition, I knew I couldn’t waste even a second.”

Emergency Care at 35,000 Feet 

Without access to hospital equipment or medical devices, Pooja relied entirely on her clinical training and experience. She continuously monitored the passenger’s pulse manually and kept talking to her to prevent her from losing consciousness. Pooja encouraged the woman to stay awake while asking the cabin crew for water and helping her drink it slowly.

To improve circulation, she gently massaged and rubbed the passenger’s hands. She also helped cover her with a blanket to restore body warmth. Throughout the flight, Pooja frequently reassessed the woman’s condition and remained by her side for almost the entire journey.

Pooja’s Nursing Background 

Pooja works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah. In her role, she cares for critically ill newborns and is trained to respond quickly and effectively during medical emergencies.  

Pooja has seven years of nursing experience, including previous experience in Saudi Arabia. She joined RAK Hospital in 2025, where she continues to work in the NICU. Caring for critically ill newborns every day has equipped her to remain calm and make quick decisions during high-pressure medical emergencies. 

She explained:

“In the NICU, I have monitors, oxygen, medicines and a medical team. On a plane, you only have your training, hands and judgment.”

Decision About Emergency Landing 

During the medical emergency, the senior cabin crew consulted Pooja to assess the passenger’s condition. They wanted to know whether the captain should be informed and whether the aircraft needed to be diverted for an emergency landing. 

Pooja repeatedly reassessed the passenger’s condition throughout the flight. She checked the woman’s pulse, monitored her body temperature, evaluated her responsiveness, and carefully observed her overall condition to ensure she remained stable. 

Pooja determined that the passenger was experiencing severe physical exhaustion, anxiety, and weakness following her recent medical treatment. After continuously monitoring her condition and noting steady improvement, she concluded that an emergency diversion was not required. The flight continued safely to Thiruvananthapuram. 

Cabin Crew’s Response

Pooja praised the professionalism of the cabin crew throughout the medical emergency. She said they trusted her medical judgment, quickly provided water and blankets, assisted whenever needed, and remained calm throughout the incident.

She also commended the fellow passengers for their cooperation. According to Pooja, no one panicked, everyone remained calm, and passengers gave her enough space to care for the woman. 

Passenger’s Recovery 

Pooja continued monitoring the passenger until the flight landed. Before the aircraft began its descent, she carried out one final assessment. By then, the passenger was fully responsive, had regained her body warmth, and was feeling much better. She smiled and personally thanked Pooja for helping her during the medical emergency. 

Pooja later said:

“Watching her land safely was the greatest reward.”

Message to Healthcare Professionals 

Reflecting on the incident, Pooja encouraged fellow healthcare workers to always be prepared to help. 

She said:

“Trust your training and never hesitate to step forward. Our calling to care for humanity doesn’t end when our shift is over.”

Pooja emphasized that healthcare professionals should always be ready to help people in need. She said their responsibility extends beyond hospitals. According to her, they should respond whenever someone is in distress, no matter where the emergency occurs. 

Advice to Passengers 

Pooja also shared some advice for passengers during in-flight medical emergencies. She urged travelers to stay calm and follow the cabin crew’s instructions. She said it is important to give medical professionals enough space to treat the patient and avoid creating panic. She also encouraged everyone to cooperate throughout the emergency.

According to Pooja, teamwork between passengers, cabin crew, and medical professionals can help prevent medical situations from becoming more serious.

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Imagine yourself curled up in a comfortable chair on a flight enjoying a movie or reading a book. But all of a sudden the captain’s voice is heard over the intercom declaring an emergency landing. Although the term alone may cause anxiety, understanding what an emergency landing entails can help ease some of the confusion. Emergency landings are unplanned incidents in which an aircraft must land at the next appropriate airport. Though they may seem frightening, flight crews carefully plan and rehearse these protocols to ensure passenger safety. Here you can know about the details of emergency landings, such as their frequency, causes, and what you should know as a traveler.

In emergency landings, international flights play an important role. They enable faster and safer travel for passengers and immediate access to medical or security services.

What is an Emergency Landing? 

An emergency landing happens when an aircraft has to make an early landing because of unexpected events. It includes technical failures, passenger medical emergencies, or bad weather. To ensure traveler’s safety on board, there will be a trained flight crew.

The Reality of Emergency Landings

It is important to understand that, while emergency landings are very rare in aviation. The airline sector is among the safest forms of transportation, despite the dramatic portrayals in films and television series. Because aircraft systems are constantly maintained and monitored, along with strict safety regulations. There is very little chance of an emergency landing during a flight.

How Common are Emergency Landings?

A common question among tourists is “How common are emergency landings?” The answer can be more reassuring than you expect. Given the high volume of flights that take off daily, emergency landings are rare. Statistics on aviation safety indicate that most flights fly  without any problems. Safety is the top priority for airlines and regulatory agencies, which makes sure that airline staff are properly prepared to manage any situations that may arise as well as planes are kept in good condition.

Types of Emergency Landings

There are various kinds of emergency landings, with differing protocols and levels of urgency:

1. Precautionary landings: This takes place when there might be an issue but no immediate threat to the safety of the passengers or the aircraft. As a precaution, pilots decide to land at the closest airfield.
2. Forced landings: These are required when an aircraft is unable to reach its destination because of major problems or technical malfunctions. The pilot has to get down as quickly as possible.
3. Ditching: An aircraft that makes an emergency landing on water is the rarest kind of emergency landing. Usually, this scenario is limited to circumstances in which there are no accessible land-based airports.

Reason For Emergency Landings

There are several reasons why an emergency landing can be necessary, which aren’t limited to:

• Technical breakdowns: One of the most frequent causes of emergency landings is technical issues, such as engine breakdowns. Modern aircraft are built with several backups to deal with such circumstances.
• Medical Emergencies: The pilot may choose to make an emergency landing at the closest airport to give rapid medical attention to a passenger or crew member who becomes seriously ill.
• Security Threats: To guarantee the safety of everyone on board, an emergency landing is required in the event of any genuine threat, such as a bomb threat or hijacking.
• Environmental Factors: If continuing the flight would be dangerous due to severe weather, such as thunderstorms or thick fog, an emergency landing can be necessary.

Also Read: How an Airport Emergency Plan Helps in Minimizing Loss of Life & Property During Accidents

What to Expect During an Emergency Landing

If an emergency landing occurs during your flight, the flight crew will follow specific protocols to ensure your safety. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Announcements and Instructions: The captain and flight attendants will provide clear instructions on the situation. It’s important to listen carefully and follow their directions.
2. Brace Position: You may be requested to enter the brace position, depending on the severity of the emergency. The purpose of this position is to keep you safe from impact.
3. Evacuation Procedures: After landing, the crew will guide you through evacuation procedures if necessary. This may involve using emergency slides to exit the aircraft quickly.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Even though emergency landings are rare, being prepared can help. To keep you ready, consider the following advice: 

• Listen to Safety Briefings: Pay close attention to the pre-flight safety demonstration and read the safety card in your seat pocket.
• Know Your Exits: Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits and how to operate them.
• Stay Calm: In the rare circumstance of an emergency, staying calm will make it easier for you to follow directions.

Although the chance of an emergency landing can be frightening, travelers need to understand that such situations are rare and that airline staff are well-prepared to handle them. You can travel more easily if you know what an emergency landing includes and what to expect. You can be confident that safety is the top priority in international flights. If you’re planning a trip soon, book Indian Eagle cheap flights to make it more memorable and affordable.

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