AI Express Flight Passenger Faces Breathing Trouble Midair; Return Flight Delayed By 4 Hours As Oxygen Runs Out

Jagran Correspondent, Ranchi: An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Ranchi witnessed a state of panic on Sunday after a passenger started facing difficulty in breathing, prompting the cabin crew to provide oxygen to him.

Air India Express flight number IX 1239 departed from Bengaluru for Ranchi at 6:35 AM. A few minutes after takeoff, a passenger began experiencing difficulty breathing. The crew responded by providing oxygen available on board the aircraft to provide relief.

The passenger's condition stabilised, and the plane completed the remaining journey and reached Ranchi. After landing at the Ranchi Airport, the passenger's health was checked and found to be stable, and the passenger was allowed to return home.

Flight delayed by four hours

The return flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru was subsequently delayed by four hours as there was low oxygen availability. Air India Express flight IX 1244 from Ranchi to Bengaluru was scheduled to depart at 9:35 AM but finally departed at 1:51 PM, after a delay of four hours and 16 minutes.

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Due to the delay, passengers travelling to Bengaluru had to wait for several hours at Ranchi Airport. Passengers who had to catch another flight from Bengaluru for their onward journey faced particular difficulties. The delay affected their connecting flights.

"A passenger on a flight from Bengaluru experienced breathing problems. The crew provided oxygen on board. Upon arrival in Ranchi, the passenger was checked and discharged home after his condition stabilised. He said the necessary oxygen bottles were then arranged for the flight to Bengaluru," Vinod Kumar, Director, Birsa Munda Ranchi Airport.

Oxygen provision on the plane

For passengers: Aircraft are equipped with emergency chemical oxygen generators above passenger seats. These can typically provide oxygen for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. This time is considered sufficient to safely bring the aircraft to an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet.

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For pilots: The cockpit has a separate oxygen system for emergency response. This system provides oxygen to pilots at high altitudes.

For cabin crew: The aircraft also carries portable oxygen bottles, which crew members can carry to passengers if needed. The number of these bottles varies depending on the size of the aircraft and its passenger capacity.