'Crappy': Air India Flight Returns To Chicago Following Clogged Toilets In 10-Hr Fiasco

New Delhi: A Delhi-bound Air India flight that took off from Chicago, returned to the departure city after being airborne for ten hours, because the lavatories of the flight were completely clogged. This latest botch-up adds to the long list of disasters for passengers travelling by Air India. 

Delhi-Bound Air India Flight Returns to Chicago After 10-Hour Fiasco

A Chicago-Delhi Air India flight was airborne for over ten hours on March 6, only to return to Chicago. While according to the airline, the flight could not reach its destination due to a ‘technical issue’, the actual reason for this fiasco, was clogged toilets.

‘Crappy’: Air India Flight Returns to Departure City Due to ‘Clogged Toilets’

The Air India aircraft was over Greenland on March 5, while on its way to Delhi from Chicago, when 11 out of the 12 lavatories broke down. The long flight became unbearable for passengers with only one toilet available for use, for 300 passengers; this toilet was in the business class area of the flight. The passengers were extremely upset with the services of the airline, terming the airline and their flight as ‘crappy’. 

Also Read: A String of Disasters: Recent Incidents When Air India Let Down Its Passengers

Air India Issues Statement, Cites ‘Technical Issue’

In an official statement, Air India cited a ‘technical issue’ as the reason for the Delhi-bound flight's return to Chicago. The statement read, “Upon landing at Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination.”

The Air India spokesperson also mentioned that passengers are being offered full refunds for cancellations and free rescheduling if they choose. However, this did little to ease the frustration of some customers, who reported having to go through numerous obstacles to have their flights rescheduled or refunded.

String of Disasters: Numerous Incidents of ‘Epic Negligence’ by Air India

This is not the first time in the recent past, that Air India has been questioned for its poor services. Numerous incidents of negligence have been reported, ranging from excessively long flight delays to broken seats and poorly behaved staff.

82-Year-Old Woman Lands in ICU After Being Denied a Pre-Booked Wheelchair

The first incident, which occurred last week and sparked significant outrage, was related to the denial of a wheelchair to an old woman. An 82-year-old woman, who had arranged for a wheelchair in advance and received confirmation, was denied the assistance by the airline. As a result, the elderly woman, a widow of a highly respected Lieutenant General, was forced to walk through the airport. Tragically, she fell and sustained severe injuries. Her granddaughter, Parul Kanwar, shared the distressing experience, posting heartbreaking photos of her grandmother from the hospital.

Not only did the airline deny any responsibility for the incident but, in an official statement, they have also decided to challenge the passenger's claims. In response to the public outcry, an Air India spokesperson defended the airline, stating that the family arrived after the recommended check-in time and clarified that wheelchair assistance was never denied at any point.

‘If There Was an Oscar for the Worst Airlines…’: BJP Spokesperson for Air India

Just a few days ago, Supreme Court lawyer and BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill voiced his frustration, labeling Air India as the "worst airline" he had ever encountered. In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Shergill criticized Air India's malfunctioning seats, unprofessional crew, subpar on-ground support, and poor customer service. He remarked, "If there were an Oscar for the WORST AIRLINES, Air India would undoubtedly take the top spot in every category."

Union Minister and former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had also called out Air India in the recent past, for their poor services. The politician complained to the media about the broken and uncomfortable seats, and unpleasant services on his Bhopal-Delhi flight. 

Many such incidents have been reported in the past, highlighting the poor services of Air India, in all aspects. Passengers have regularly been complaining about the delays, poor food quality, uncomfortable seats, and badly behaved flight and on-ground staff.

(Inputs from PTI)