Manipur Siblings Soar Together as Air India Cabin Crew

Imphal, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Imphal: Two siblings from Manipur have found a shared career in aviation after joining Air India as cabin crew, with the elder sister’s career inspiring her younger brother to follow her into the profession.

According to Air India, Wahengbam Sureiya and Rohit Singh grew up in Imphal, eight years apart. Sureiya became the first member of their family to pursue aviation when she joined the cabin crew in 2014. This decision marked a significant moment not only in her life but also for her family, as it opened the door to a world of opportunities in the aviation sector, which is often seen as a prestigious career path in India.

Air India said Rohit was inspired by his sister’s experiences of flying and travelling to different parts of the world. He later joined the airline as cabin crew, beginning a career similar to the one Sureiya had started a decade earlier. This familial connection within the aviation industry highlights the influence that role models can have on career choices, particularly in fields that require a unique set of skills and resilience.

The siblings now work for the same airline and operate on different rosters and flights. Air India said their shared profession has brought them closer, as both understand the demands of long-haul flights, irregular schedules, changing rosters and time away from home. The nature of their work often requires them to adapt to unpredictable schedules, which can be challenging for those who do not share similar experiences. However, for Sureiya and Rohit, this shared understanding has fostered a deeper bond.

“Working for the same airline has definitely brought us closer,” Sureiya said, according to Air India. She said they share experiences, support each other, and learn from one another. This mutual support system is crucial in a profession that can be isolating at times, as the long hours and the need to be away from family can take a toll on one's emotional well-being.

Rohit said having a sibling who understands the demands of aviation means they can relate to each other’s experiences without having to explain the challenges of the job. This unique connection allows them to navigate the ups and downs of their careers more effectively, providing a sense of comfort and camaraderie that is often missing in high-pressure jobs.

The siblings also sometimes find themselves on airport standby at the same location. According to Air India, they use such occasions to spend time together, catch up, and share experiences from their respective flights. This opportunity to connect, even briefly, is a silver lining in their demanding work schedules, allowing them to maintain their sibling relationship despite the challenges posed by their jobs.

One of their memorable moments came when both were assigned airport standby and later allocated the same cab home. As they live together, the transport system generated the same address for both crew members, prompting the driver to call the transport team to verify the booking. Such incidents not only highlight the quirks of their profession but also serve as reminders of the unique experiences that come with being part of the aviation industry.

Air India said the siblings continue to support each other outside work as well. Rohit said regular calls from his sister help him feel at home while travelling, while Sureiya said her brother sometimes cooks a warm meal for her after she returns from a long flight. These small gestures of care and support are vital for maintaining their bond, especially given the demanding nature of their work schedules.

Sureiya said she admires Rohit’s positivity, calm nature, and dependability, while Rohit credited his sister’s confidence, professionalism, and kindness as qualities that inspired him to pursue the same career. This mutual admiration reflects not only their personal relationship but also the professional respect they hold for each other in a competitive industry.

Air India highlighted the siblings’ story as an example of how the airline’s cabin crew members can build careers that take them across cities and countries while maintaining close family connections. In an industry that often requires long hours and extensive travel, the ability to share such experiences with a family member can be incredibly beneficial, providing emotional support and understanding that can enhance job satisfaction.

The airline shared their story on its newsroom on August 28, showcasing how personal narratives within the aviation sector can inspire others to pursue careers in this field. The journey of Wahengbam Sureiya and Rohit Singh serves as a reminder of the importance of family ties and support systems in achieving professional success, particularly in demanding industries like aviation.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, stories like that of Sureiya and Rohit highlight the potential for familial bonds to thrive even in the fast-paced world of air travel. Their experiences may encourage other aspiring cabin crew members to consider the importance of mentorship and familial support in navigating their own career paths.