Flight AI126 was headed to Delhi from Chicago on March 5 and spent about five hours in the air before it had to be turned around.

There were about 300 passengers on the flight who were unable to use the loo.

Videos from inside the aircraft showed scenes of passengers huddled around crew members who appeared to be explaining the situation.

The blockage was apparently caused by a cloth and a plastic bag being stuffed down the toilets, according to NDTV.

Passengers disembarked the plane and were provided with hotel accommodation, according to Air India.

Travellers were also offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling by Air India.

“Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination,” the airline said in a statement.

“We are aware of some social media posts about the unserviceable lavatories on AI126 operating Chicago to Delhi on 05 March 2025 that caused the flight’s diversion back to its origin, Chicago O’Hare International Airport,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“We would like to confirm that as part of our investigation into the incident, our teams found polythene bags, rags, and clothes that had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing. This led the lavatories to become unserviceable.”

“Subsequently, eight of the 12 lavatories in the aircraft became unserviceable, causing discomfort to all on board.

“By this time, the aircraft was overflying the Atlantic, leaving points in Europe as potential cities to divert to.

“However, due to restrictions on night operations at most of the European airports, it was decided to divert back to Chicago.

“The decision to divert was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety.”

“While not found on AI126 of 05 March 2025, our teams have previously also found objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers, among other waste, having been flushed down the toilets on other flights.

“We take this opportunity to urge passengers to use lavatories only for the purposes that they are meant for.”