Air India clarifies flight diversion to Chicago, blames clogged lavatories on flushed clothes and rags

In an effort to address social media concerns about the unserviceable lavatories on AI126, which was operating from Chicago to Delhi on March 5, 2025, and had to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Air India stated that its team had conducted an investigation. The airline found that polythene bags, rags, and clothes had been flushed down the toilets, clogging the plumbing and rendering the lavatories unusable.

The airline further clarified the details of the flight:

- The flight departed on time at 16:48 hrs (UTC).

- Roughly an hour and forty-five minutes into the journey, trouble began when the crew reported that some lavatories in Business and Economy Class had become unserviceable. Eight out of 12 lavatories on the aircraft were affected, leaving passengers in an uncomfortable situation.

- By the time the aircraft was soaring over the Atlantic, potential emergency landing points in Europe were considered. However, due to restrictions on night operations at most European airports, it was decided to divert back to Chicago.

- Once back on the ground in Chicago, all passengers were provided with immediate assistance, including hotel accommodations and alternative flight options. Efforts were made to get travellers back on track to Delhi.

“While not found on AI126 of 05 March 2025, our teams have previously discovered objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers, among other waste, flushed down the toilets on other flights. We take this opportunity to urge passengers to use lavatories only for their intended purpose,” an Air India spokesperson added.

A video circulating on X shows Air India staff pulling out clothes and various debris from the washroom ducts.

Recently, the Air India Group celebrated International Women’s Day by operating 18 special flights with an all-women crew. From the cockpit to ground control, every role was helmed by women, including pilots, cabin crew, flight dispatchers, meteorologists, and crew controllers.

The airline revealed that these special flights flew to destinations including Melbourne, London Heathrow, Dammam, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and several Indian cities like Varanasi, Pune, and Kolkata. Of them all, Melbourne was the longest route.

Women make up 46% of the airline’s total workforce, with 16% of pilots—nearly three times the global average. Apart from holding strong ground in cockpits, women lead 21% of ground services, 27% of finance, and 22% of digital technology, as disclosed by the airline.