An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi was forced to return to its departure city after being airborne for over ten hours on Thursday. While the airline cited a technical issue as the reason for the diversion, sources revealed that the return was due to multiple clogged lavatories.
Lavatory malfunction causes inconvenience
The flight, AI126, was operated using a Boeing 777-337 ER aircraft, which has 10 lavatories, including two reserved for first-class passengers. However, a source familiar with the situation stated that only one lavatory remained functional, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and crew.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft turned back after more than 10 hours in the air and landed safely at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Passenger assistance and refunds
Following the unexpected return, all passengers and crew disembarked normally. Air India provided accommodation to affected passengers to minimize their inconvenience. In a statement, the airline confirmed that alternative travel arrangements were being made to ensure passengers reached their destination as soon as possible.
Air India also announced that passengers would be offered full refunds for cancellations, as well as complimentary rescheduling if they opted for it.