Air India probe reveals shocking reason behind lavatory failure on Chicago-Delhi flight

Days after an Air India flight bound for Delhi was forced to return to Chicago due to non-functional lavatories, the airline revealed that its investigation found polythene bags, rags, and clothes blocking the plumbing system.

The incident took place on 6 March when flight AI126, travelling from Chicago to Delhi, turned back mid-journey. Initially, the airline cited a "technical issue" as the reason for the return. However, sources had earlier informed PTI that multiple lavatories were clogged, leading to the decision.

In a detailed statement on Monday, Air India explained that around one hour and 45 minutes into the flight, crew members noticed that several lavatories in both Business and Economy Class had become unusable.


"Subsequently, eight of the 12 lavatories in the aircraft became unserviceable, causing discomfort to all on board," the airline stated.

At the time, the aircraft was flying over the Atlantic Ocean, and European cities were considered as possible diversion points. However, Air India noted that night-time restrictions at most European airports meant that returning to Chicago was the best option. The airline emphasised that the decision was made entirely in the interest of passenger safety and comfort.

Following social media discussions about the incident, Air India clarified:

"We are aware of some social media posts about the unserviceable lavatories on AI126 operating from Chicago to Delhi on 5 March 2025 that caused the flight's diversion back to its origin, Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

"We would like to confirm that as part of our investigation into the incident, our teams found polythene bags, rags, and clothes that had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing. This led the lavatories to become unserviceable," the airline added.

Air India urged passengers to use lavatories only for their intended purposes. The airline also mentioned that in previous incidents, its teams had discovered objects such as blankets, innerwear, and nappies flushed down aircraft toilets, causing similar blockages.