Air India is urging travelers to “use lavatories only for purposes they are meant for” after a flight to Delhi returned to Chicago due to eight of its 12 toilets becoming clogged.
Air India AI126 was about two hours (one hour forty-five minutes) into its flight from Chicago to Delhi last Wednesday when the decision was made to return to Chicago as a result of the eight clogged toilets.
“By this time, the aircraft was overflying the Atlantic, leaving points in Europe as potential cities to divert to. However, due to restrictions on night operations at most of the European airports, it was decided to divert back to Chicago,” the airline stated, adding, “The decision to divert was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety.”
Once the plane landed, workers discovered the clogs had been caused by flushed items including plastic bags, rags and clothing items.
Video clips from inside the aircraft showed scenes of confusion as passengers huddled around crew members who seemed to be explaining the situation.
The incident has stirred a lively debate on social media, with many Indians weighing in on aeroplane bathroom etiquette.
An Air India spokesperson said in a statement provided to The Times of India that the airline wishes to “urge passengers to use lavatories only for purposes they are meant for.”
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The spokesperson said the Chicago flight was only the latest in a series of toilet-clogging incidents on the carrier’s Boeing 777s. They said employees previously addressed toilet clogs caused by “blankets, innerwear and diapers, among other waste.”
The passengers on the Chicago-Delhi flight were provided with hotel accommodations and alternative flight options.
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