An Air India flight bound for Delhi was forced to make an emergency U-turn and return to Chicago on March 6 due to technical issues this time, involving an unexpected problem with the onboard toilets.

According to The Hindustan Times, the Boeing 777-337 ER had already been in the air for over 10 hours before the crew decided to turn back. The reason? A majority of the aircraft's 10 toilets had become clogged, leaving only one functional for the hundreds of passengers onboard.

A Flight With Over 340 Passengers, But Only One Working Toilet

The aircraft, which has the capacity to carry more than 340 passengers across first, business, and economy class, typically features 10 lavatories, including two designated for first-class travelers. However, a source told The Times of India that by the time the decision was made to return, only one toilet remained operational.

With no feasible way to accommodate passengers' needs for the remainder of the flight to Delhi, the airline had no choice but to head back to Chicago's OHare International Airport (ORD).

Refunds and Alternative Travel Arrangements for Passengers

After landing, passengers and crew disembarked as usual. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that accommodations were provided to minimize inconvenience.

"After landing in Chicago, everyone disembarked normally and was provided with accommodation. We're making alternative arrangements to get them to their destination," the spokesperson stated.

To compensate for the disruption, Air India offered full refunds to affected passengers, along with free rescheduling options for those who wished to rebook their journey.

While technical issues are not uncommon in aviation, this unusual incident highlights how even a minor onboard system failure can lead to significant travel disruptions.