Plane returns from India to US after 10-hour trip over clogged toilets—reports
A plane bound for India had to go back to the US after being in the air for 10 hours because of clogged toilets, according to reports.
Multiple media outlets like Press Trust of India and Hindustan Times reported that Air India confirmed the return in a statement, saying that it was due to a "technical issue."
"All passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimize inconvenience," the company added. "Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination."
According to Hindustan Times, an insider said the move was made "when nine of the 10 lavatories on the Boeing 777-300 ER jet were backed up."
"Only one of the business class lavatories was functional," the source is quoted as saying, adding that the cause of the problem was not known.
The media outlet said that the plane they were on has a capacity of 342 passengers, including 303 economy class seats.
Air India said full refunds on cancellation as well as free rebooking are also being offered to those who were affected by the incident, "if opted by them."
Per Press Trust of India, the plane was supposed to fly from Chicago to Delhi.
As indicated on FlightAware, Flight 126 left Chicago O'Hare International Airport on March 5 at 10:59 a.m. and returned to the same point at 9:08 p.m. (4 hours 13 minutes early) on the same day. It was supposed to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
