NEW DELHI: After clogged lavatories affected yet another long haul flight, Air India Monday issued an unusual statement: “Urge passengers to use lavatories only for purposes they are meant for.” Air India found the passengers had flushed polythene bags, rags, and clothes that led to clogged pipes and overflowing toilets.
“Our teams have previously also found objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers, among other waste, having been flushed down toilets on other flights,” Air India said.
AI has long faced this issue, mostly with its old Boeing 777s, used for the North America long hauls. The most recent instance was on March 5 when a Chicago-Delhi flight had to return to US after eight of the 12 lavs on the B777 turned unserviceable.
“We are aware of social media posts about the unserviceable lavatories on AI126 operating Chicago to Delhi on March 5, 2025, that caused the flight’s diversion back to its origin, Chicago… As part of our investigation, our teams found polythene bags, rags, and clothes that had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing. This led the lavatories to become unserviceable,” Air India stated.
The airline empathised with passengers who faced discomfort and whose plans were affected by the flight’s diversion, but said the flight departed in time. An hour and forty-five minutes into the flight, the crew reported eight of the 12 lavatories in the aircraft to be unserviceable.
“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.”
Upon landing at Chicago, all passengers were provided immediate assistance, including hotel accommodation and alternative flight options to continue their journey to Delhi.
