The flight returned at 2.40 AM ten minutes after take off following which the passenger was subjected to a medical check up by doctors at the airport. He was later taken to Apollo hospitals, they said.
Meanwhile, irate passengers protested at the more than three hour delay and asked the pilot to take off but he refused citing rules, which mandated that he operate one flight a day.
The airline then requistioned the services of another pilot, the sources said.
Twelve passengers were taken by bus to Tiruchirapalli, while the others would leave for their onward destination at 1300 hrs.