'Flushed plastics, rags blocked toilets': Air India on flight diversion
What's the story
Air India stated on Monday that the diversion of flight AI126 from Chicago to Delhi after almost all lavatories became unserviceable was due to items flushed down the aircraft's toilets. The airline said that its investigation revealed that items such as polythene bags, rags, and clothes had been improperly disposed of in the toilet. This caused the toilets to become "unserviceable" and resulted in a diversion back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Flight details
Flight diverted after 4 hours of flight
The Air India flight was headed to Delhi on March 6 when it had to turn back after four and a half hours in the air. The return took the same amount of time, ending in a 10-hour misery for travelers. According to aviation website View From The Wing, only one of 12 toilets was functional for around 300 passengers on board AI126.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the garbage
People who travel on Air India may not all be ultra-rich, but they are certainly not poor either.
— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) March 10, 2025
Yet, some travelers have flushed undergarments, clothes, debris, and even a bedsheet (in another plane).
People often call the poor "dehati" for lacking civic sense, but the rich… pic.twitter.com/k5T5NTcq22
Customer service response
Air India offered full refunds and alternative arrangements
In light of the incident, Air India has now offered full refunds and complimentary rescheduling to affected passengers. "Upon landing at Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimize inconvenience. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination," an airline spokesperson said.