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Travel
Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru delayed five hours over oxygen cylinder
✍️ TOI City
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 07:39 AM
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An Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru was delayed about five hours after oxygen cylinders were flown in from New Delhi to aid a passenger who experienced breathing difficulties on a prior leg.
The Air India Express service operating between Ranchi and Bengaluru was held on the tarmac for roughly five hours on Thursday. The delay was triggered when a passenger on a preceding segment reported severe breathing difficulties, prompting the airline to arrange medical oxygen.
To comply with safety protocols, the carrier sourced oxygen cylinders from New Delhi and loaded them onto the aircraft before it could depart. The additional time required for the medical supplies and related checks pushed the scheduled take‑off well beyond the original slot.
After the aircraft finally left Ranchi, it completed the journey without further incident, allowing passengers to reach Bengaluru later in the day. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience and confirmed that all affected travelers were provided with necessary assistance.
Air India Express officials said that passenger safety remains the top priority and that they are reviewing procedures to minimise similar disruptions in the future.
To comply with safety protocols, the carrier sourced oxygen cylinders from New Delhi and loaded them onto the aircraft before it could depart. The additional time required for the medical supplies and related checks pushed the scheduled take‑off well beyond the original slot.
After the aircraft finally left Ranchi, it completed the journey without further incident, allowing passengers to reach Bengaluru later in the day. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience and confirmed that all affected travelers were provided with necessary assistance.
Air India Express officials said that passenger safety remains the top priority and that they are reviewing procedures to minimise similar disruptions in the future.