An Air India flight from Chicago to New Delhi was forced to turn back mid-journey last Wednesday after multiple lavatories became clogged with foreign objects, causing discomfort to passengers.
Flight AI126, a Boeing 777-300ER, had been in the air for five hours when the decision was made to return to Chicago, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. The crew was first alerted to malfunctioning toilets approximately one hour and 45 minutes into the flight. Upon further inspection, they discovered that eight of the aircraft’s 12 lavatories were out of service.
A subsequent investigation found that the blockages were caused by polythene bags, rags, and clothing items flushed down the toilets, according to an Air India spokesperson. With most lavatories rendered unusable, the airline deemed it necessary to divert the flight in the interest of passenger comfort and safety.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was flying over the Atlantic Ocean. Due to operational restrictions at European airports during nighttime hours, the airline opted to return to Chicago rather than attempt an unscheduled landing elsewhere.
Data from FlightAware indicates that the aircraft completed a nearly 10-hour journey, turning around over Greenland before landing back in Chicago. Upon arrival, affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative flights to their destinations.
Air India acknowledged that this was not an isolated incident, citing previous cases where passengers had improperly disposed of waste in lavatories.
The airline reported finding items such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers in its aircraft toilets on past flights. The airline has urged passengers to adhere to proper waste disposal guidelines to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
