Air India blames passengers, evades accountability for clogged bathrooms

Air India’s assertion reproduced right here:

“We’re conscious of some social media posts in regards to the unserviceable toilets on AI126 working Chicago to Delhi on 05 March 2025 that precipitated the flight’s diversion again to its origin, Chicago O’Hare Worldwide Airport. We wish to verify that as a part of our investigation into the incident, our groups discovered polythene baggage, rags, and garments that had been flushed down and caught within the plumbing. This led the toilets to change into unserviceable.

Whereas we totally empathise with passengers who confronted discomfort and whose journey plans have been affected by the flight’s diversion, we wish to put forth the next info in regards to the flight: The flight departed in time at 1648 Hrs (UTC). About an hour and forty-five minutes into the flight, the crew reported among the toilets in Enterprise and Economic system Class to be unserviceable. Subsequently, eight of the 12 toilets within the plane turned unserviceable, inflicting discomfort to all on board.

By this time, the plane was overflying the Atlantic, leaving factors in Europe as potential cities to divert to. Nevertheless, as a consequence of restrictions on evening operations at many of the European airports, it was determined to divert again to Chicago. The choice to divert was taken solely within the curiosity of passenger consolation and security. Upon touchdown at Chicago, all passengers had been offered speedy help, together with resort lodging and various flight choices to proceed their journey to Delhi.

Whereas not discovered on AI126 of 05 March 2025, our groups have beforehand additionally discovered objects reminiscent of blankets, innerwear, and diapers, amongst different waste, having been flushed down the bathrooms on different flights. We take this chance to induce passengers to make use of toilets just for the needs that they’re meant for.”