First of all, I did not see the article but, may I offer something that may be comforting?
Normally, a TB patient is contagious in the early stages of the disease, this eventually passes on the the stage where, though still suffering, the patient is not contagious.
This is determined by examination of sputum.
I think it is unfortunate if contagious patients are allowed to travel in such an enclosed environment as an a/c cabin.
