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India Flight Returns to Chicago After 11 Toilets Clog Mid-Air

The Chicago-Delhi flight was forced to turn back after nearly five hours due to unusable lavatories, with passengers provided refunds and accommodations.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (14247117l)
Two Airbus A350-941 at Toulouse-Blagnac airport, before being delivered to the Air India company, in Toulouse on 06th December 2023. 
 -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto)
Airbus A350-941 at Toulouse airport before being delivered to Air India, France - 06 Dec 2023
Air India said that its probe found polythene bags, rags, and clothes being flushed down, which got stuck in the plumbing
An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi turned back after 10 hours in the air (Representational image)
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Overview

  • Air India Flight 126 from Chicago to Delhi returned to its origin after 11 of its 12 toilets became clogged mid-flight over Greenland.
  • The airline cited improper disposal of items like polythene bags, rags, and clothes in the lavatories as the cause of the plumbing failure.
  • The flight carried over 300 passengers and was airborne for nearly 10 hours before landing back at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
  • Passengers were provided hotel accommodations, alternative flight arrangements, and options for refunds or complimentary rescheduling.
  • Aviation experts questioned the extent of the issue, noting that such widespread toilet failures are rare and may involve maintenance errors.