Some travel experiences turn into nightmares, and for passengers aboard Air India Flight 126 from Chicago to Delhi, that was exactly the case.

What was supposed to be a routine 14-hour journey turned into a frustrating 10-hour ordeal when nearly all onboard toilets became unusable, forcing the aircraft to return to its departure point.

A Flight to Nowhere

The incident occurred on March 5 aboard a Boeing 777-300ER. About four-and-a-half hours into the flight, just after crossing Greenland, the aircraft made the difficult decision to turn back due to multiple clogged toilets. After nearly 10 hours in the air, the plane landed back at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Conflicting reports suggest that between nine and eleven of the plane’s twelve toilets had malfunctioned. The only operational lavatory, reportedly located in business class, was clearly insufficient for the number of passengers onboard.

Passenger Frustration & Airline Response

Upon arrival, Air India stated that all passengers and crew disembarked normally and were provided accommodation to minimize inconvenience. However, despite reassurances, many travelers expressed frustration over the rescheduling process and refund complications.

One first-class passenger, who had booked the ticket using travel LifeMiles, described the experience as “customer service hell,” highlighting difficulties in coordinating with multiple airlines for rebooking.

Aviation Challenges & Future Considerations

This incident serves as a stark reminder that even minor technical malfunctions—like a clogged lavatory—can force major flight disruptions. Airlines, including Air India, must ensure robust onboard systems and efficient response strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.

For affected passengers, Air India has advised them to follow up with its customer service team for updates on rescheduled travel and refund processes.