Photo Source: PIB
IAF airlifts critically ill civilian from Leh to Delhi in night-time medical evacuation
Babushahi Bureau/PIB
New Delhi, October 19, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice medical evacuation late at night, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian from Leh to Palam in Delhi for urgent medical treatment.
An IAF C-130J aircraft undertook the mission amid darkness and challenging weather conditions, requiring operational preparedness and close coordination, according to the Ministry of Defence.
After reaching Palam, the patient was transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further treatment.
The IAF said the mission demonstrated its readiness to respond promptly to humanitarian emergencies, including critical medical evacuations in difficult conditions.
The information was shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on October 18, 2026.