Air India flight returns after toilets clog with plastic bags, rags

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An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi was forced to return mid-journey after plastic bags, rags, and clothes clogged most of its toilets, causing discomfort for passengers.

The incident occurred on March 5 aboard Air India Flight 126, which can carry up to 342 passengers. About two hours into the flight, crew members reported that several toilets had become “unserviceable.” Eventually, eight of the 12 toilets in business and economy class were out of order.

With the plane already flying over the Atlantic Ocean and European airports restricting night operations, the pilots decided to turn back to Chicago for “passenger comfort and safety,” according to an Air India statement released on Monday. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the plane had reached near Greenland before it reversed course, spending a total of 10 hours in the air.

An investigation later revealed that “polythene bags, rags, and clothes” had been flushed and clogged the plumbing. Air India released images showing waste removed from the toilets, including a drainage pipe stuffed with fabric.

All passengers and crew disembarked normally in Chicago and were provided with accommodation and alternative flight options.

Aviation expert Mark Martin told the Hindustan Times that while clogged toilets are not unusual, it is “next to impossible” for all to fail simply due to passenger misuse, leading to an emergency diversion. However, Air India said it has previously found objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers flushed down its planes’ toilets.

“We take this opportunity to urge passengers to use lavatories only for the purposes that they are meant for,” the airline said.

The incident sparked debate on social media, with some blaming the airline for poor upkeep and sanitation, while others criticized passengers for disregarding basic travel etiquette.

“Only Air India has such frequent mishaps. Honestly, what has happened is indefensible,” one user wrote on X.

Another countered, “Can we honestly dump all the blame on Air India and the crew, when people can’t follow basic travel etiquette?”