An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi had to turn back to Chicago on Thursday due to a technical issue, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed on Monday. The flight, AI126, which was en route on March 6, 2025, returned to Chicago after a snag was detected.
Upon landing, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, and accommodations were provided to minimize inconvenience. The airline also arranged for alternative flights to take the passengers to their final destination. “Passengers are being offered full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling options,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing that passenger safety and well-being remain the airline’s top priority.
The flight experienced significant discomfort as it faced a toilet malfunction mid-flight. Out of the 12 toilets on board, 11 broke down during the journey over Greenland, leaving only one functioning toilet in the business class section. This issue led to a decision to return to Chicago after just five hours into the 14-hour flight, as the lack of available toilets posed a serious concern for the nearly 300 passengers aboard.
While the airline is working to resolve the situation and offer compensation to passengers, it highlights the critical importance of maintaining essential services onboard, as even a few malfunctioning toilets can necessitate a return flight due to the limited availability of lavatories.
