A flight bound for Delhi from Chicago was compelled to return to its point of departure after passengers reportedly dumped bags and rags into the toilets, causing a majority of them to clog.
Air India Flight 126 was flying over Greenland on March 5 when it had to reroute back to Chicago for “passenger comfort and safety” after toilets became “unserviceable.” After five hours into the 14-hour journey, eight out of the 12 onboard toilets were found to be non-functional.
A subsequent investigation into the incident revealed that “polythene bags, rags, and clothes” among other items had been flushed down the lavatories and “stuck in the plumbing,” the statement read.
By that time, the airline said, the plane was flying over the Atlantic Ocean, but due to restrictions on night operations at most of the European airports, the flight diverted back to Chicago.
“The decision to divert was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety,” the spokesperson said.
Once in Chicago, passengers were provided with hotel accommodation and alternative flight routes, ABC News said.
