An Air India flight en route to Delhi from Chicago returned to the U.S. city after flying for over ten hours due to a technical issue, according to the airline. However, a source familiar with the matter told news agency PTI that multiple clogged lavatories forced the aircraft to turn back.
A Boeing 777-337 ER aircraft operated the flight, which returned to Chicago’s ORD airport after flying for over ten hours, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
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A technical issue forced AI126, operating from Chicago to Delhi on March 6, 2025, to return to Chicago, a spokesperson said. Upon landing, all passengers and crew disembarked normally, and the airline provided them with accommodation to minimize inconvenience.
The spokesperson further stated that the airline was offering full refunds for cancellations and complimentary rescheduling. “We are making alternative arrangements to fly the passengers to their destination. Additionally, we are providing full refunds and complimentary rescheduling to passengers who choose to opt for them. At Air India, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers and crew,” the spokesperson added.
Air India Flight Returns to Chicago After Lavatory Malfunction
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According to The New York Post, passengers endured a 10-hour journey to nowhere because all but one of the aircraft’s toilets allegedly became clogged and unusable.
The Boeing 777-300 ER operated by Air India features 10 lavatories, including two for first-class passengers, and accommodates over 340 seats across first, business, and economy classes, a source said. The source also confirmed that only one lavatory remained functional.
The issue emerged just five hours into the 14-hour flight, forcing the airline to turn back to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Passengers claimed they struggled to reschedule their flights or secure refunds. The New York Post reported that just one or two clogged toilets can prompt a flight crew to turn a plane around due to the limited number of lavatories onboard.