Medical emergency delays AI Express flight to Bengaluru by over four hours

Ranchi: An Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru was delayed by over four hours on Sunday after oxygen cylinders on the aircraft had to be replenished following a medical emergency on its inbound journey.Flight IX 1239 arrived at Birsa Munda Airport from Bengaluru around 8:55 am. “During the journey, a passenger developed breathing difficulties and was administered oxygen by the operating crew,” airport director Vinod Kumar said.The aircraft was scheduled to operate as flight IX 1244 to Bengaluru at 9:35 am. However, its departure was held up due to insufficient oxygen on board. “Oxygen cylinders were arranged from Delhi, following which the flight departed at 1:51 pm,” Kumar said.He added that the passenger was examined after landing and allowed to return home once his condition was found to be stable. The delay lasted around four and a half hours.