Tag Archives: air india

Clogged Toilets Cause Air India Flight to Return After 10 Hours – Read On

Air India Flight AI126, operating from Chicago to Delhi, was compelled to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport after more than ten hours in the air. The unexpected turnaround was due to a significant technical issue affecting the aircraft’s lavatories, highlighting challenges in long-haul flight operations.

Air India : Incident Overview

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft departed Chicago on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Approximately four hours and twenty-five minutes into the flight, after crossing the Greenland coast, the crew observed that nine out of ten lavatories were non-functional. This left only one operational lavatory for all passengers and crew, prompting the decision to return to Chicago.

Airline’s Response

Upon landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport around 9:00 PM, all passengers and crew disembarked without incident. Air India provided accommodations to minimize inconvenience and arranged alternative flights for passengers to reach their destinations. The airline also offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options for affected passengers.

Technical Details

Aircraft lavatories utilize a vacuum system to flush waste into a holding tank. Clogs can occur if inappropriate items are flushed, leading to system malfunctions. While minor lavatory issues are not uncommon, having nine out of ten lavatories fail simultaneously is unusual and poses significant challenges on long-haul flights.

Conclusion

The incident underscores the importance of proper maintenance and passenger awareness regarding in-flight lavatory use. Air India’s prompt response ensured passenger safety and comfort, despite the inconvenience caused by the unscheduled return.

Also Read:

Fly India to Vietnam for Just Rs.11! Discover How to Book

Air India Bomb Threat: बेंगलुरु एयरपोर्ट पर बम की धमकी

An Air India flight at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport recently received a bomb threat via email, prompting the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and an ongoing investigation by authorities. This incident is part of a troubling trend of bomb threats targeting airlines across India, causing significant disruptions and raising concerns about aviation security.

Recent Surge in Bomb Threats

In recent months, Indian airlines have faced a surge in bomb threats, many of which have been hoaxes. These threats have led to flight diversions, emergency landings, and extensive security checks, causing inconvenience to passengers and operational challenges for airlines. For instance, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Canada following an online threat, and multiple flights from various airlines have received similar threats, leading to heightened security measures.

Government Response and Arrests

The Indian government has taken serious note of these incidents. In 2024, authorities arrested 13 individuals in connection with hoax bomb threats to airlines. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated robust protocols for handling such threats, including the establishment of Bomb Threat Assessment Committees at airports to analyze and respond to threats appropriately.

Impact on Aviation Operations

The frequent bomb threats have significantly impacted aviation operations in India. Flights have been diverted, delayed, or subjected to emergency landings, leading to disruptions in schedules and increased operational costs for airlines. Passengers have faced inconveniences due to these security measures, highlighting the need for effective threat management and preventive strategies.

Conclusion

The recent bomb threat at Bengaluru airport underscores the ongoing challenges faced by India’s aviation sector concerning security threats. While many of these threats have been hoaxes, each one necessitates a thorough and immediate response to ensure passenger safety. The government’s proactive measures and the aviation industry’s adherence to stringent security protocols are crucial in addressing and mitigating these threats.