NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Chicago, IL, March 5, 2025 – Air India Flight 126, en route from Chicago to Delhi, was forced to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport after nearly 10 hours in the air due to a major lavatory malfunction.
According to reports, 11 out of the 12 toilets on the Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft became inoperative mid-flight, leaving nearly 300 passengers with access to only one functional lavatory. The issue emerged about four and a half hours into the journey when the plane was flying over Greenland. With an increasing number of lavatories shutting down, the flight crew made the difficult decision to turn back rather than continue to Delhi under such conditions.
Upon investigation, Air India discovered that the lavatory blockages were caused by improper items being flushed, including polythene bags, rags, and clothing. The airline emphasized that such waste disposal can severely impact aircraft plumbing and disrupt operations.
Passengers and crew disembarked normally upon landing back in Chicago, where Air India arranged accommodations for affected travelers. The airline also provided passengers with options for full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.
Air India reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and comfort and urged travelers to use lavatories responsibly to prevent such incidents in the future. The airline has also pledged to review in-flight waste disposal policies to mitigate similar disruptions moving forward.
