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Chicago-Delhi Air India flight forced to turn back due to 'technical snag'

ANI March 10, 2025 152 views

An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi experienced a significant technical issue mid-journey when 11 of its 12 toilets became inoperable. The aircraft was forced to turn back to O'Hare International Airport after just 5 hours of flight time, causing considerable inconvenience for passengers. Air India responded by offering full refunds and complimentary rescheduling to affected travelers. The incident underscores the critical importance of aircraft maintenance and operational readiness in long-haul international flights.

"At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remain top priority" - Air India Spokesperson
New Delhi, March 10: Passengers onboard an Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi on Thursday were forced to circle back to Chicago due to a technical snag, a spokesperson of the airlines said on Monday.

Key Points

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Flight AI126 returned to Chicago after 11 of 12 toilets failed

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Passengers offered full refunds and rescheduling

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Technical issue occurred 5 hours into 14-hour journey

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Incident highlights critical aircraft maintenance challenges

The spokesperson further said that alternative arrangements were made in time for the passengers to take them to their destination.

"AI126 operating Chicago to Delhi on 6 March 2025 air-returned to Chicago due to a technical issue. Upon landing at Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further said that they were being given full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling.

"Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination. In addition, full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling are also being offered to passengers if opted by them. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remain top priority," the spokesperson said.

The passengers suffered a 10-hour trip to nowhere because all but one of its toilets allegedly became clogged and inoperable. Air India Flight 126 was making its way over Greenland on March 5 when 11 out of its 12 toilets broke down, with the only working toilet located in the business class section for some 300 passengers to use, The New York Post reported.

The issue arose merely 5 hours into the 14-hour trip, forcing the airliner to head back to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, as per NYP.

As per NYP, the passengers claimed they were forced to jump through hoops to get their flights rescheduled or refunded.

Just one or two clogged toilets may trigger a flight crew to turn the plane around and land due to the limited number of lavatories available onboard, New York Post reported.

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