Air India flight returns to Chicago O'Hare Airport due to clogged toilets
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Air India flight headed to Delhi had to divert back to Chicago after the plane’s toilets became clogged last week.

The airline said the incident happened on AI126, which departed from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Crews reported that some of the lavatories in the business and economy classes were not working about an hour and 45 minutes into the flight.

As part of an investigation, teams found polythene bags, rags, and clothes that had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing, the airline said.

Eight of the plane’s 12 lavatories became unserviceable, “causing discomfort to all on board,” the airline added.

By that time, the airline said, the plane was flying over the Atlantic Ocean, but due to restrictions on night operations at most of the European airports, the flight diverted back to Chicago.

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

The airline said it provided all passengers with hotel accommodations and alternative flight options to continue to Delhi.

Air India said its teams have previously also found objects such as blankets, innerwear, and diapers, among other waste, flushed down the toilets on other flights.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kendall Jenner reveals minimal holiday decor at $23m Montecito ranch

Inside Kendall Jenner’s Chic and Minimalist Holiday Decor at Her Lavish $23M Montecito Ranch

Kendall Jenner offered fans a peek into her $23 million Montecito ranch…
Desperate search for two men as fishing boat found empty 70 miles off Florida coast

Florida Fishing Trip Mystery: Urgent Search for Missing Attorneys as Heartbroken Spouse Seeks Answers

Two lawyers have mysteriously disappeared during what was supposed to be a…
A billboard advertising the Powerball lottery is displayed, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Record-Breaking $1.7 Billion Powerball Awaits Lucky Winner After Another Draw Without a Match

The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an astounding $1.7 billion following the…
Rob and Michele Reiner's death certificates unveil new murder details

Shocking Revelations: Rob and Michele Reiner’s Death Certificates Expose New Murder Investigation Insights

The remains of Rob and Michele Reiner were cremated following their tragic…
Emergency personnel rush a victim of a small plane crash to an awaiting ambulance, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, near the causeway, in Galveston, Texas. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Tragic Accident: Mexican Navy Medical Mission Plane Crashes in Texas, Resulting in 5 Fatalities

Tragedy struck near Galveston on Monday when a small aircraft belonging to…
Dear Abby: Should I kick my controlling sister out?

Dealing with a Dominating Sister: When It’s Time to Cut Ties and Reclaim Your Space

DEAR ABBY: My sister, “Blanche,” and I had different upbringings after she…
Major university cuts ties with US-sanctioned UN expert on Palestinian issues, watchdog says

Prominent University Severs Relationship with UN Expert on Palestinian Affairs Amid US Sanctions, Reports Watchdog

Georgetown University has officially severed its association with a United Nations expert…
Epstein wrote the president 'loved nubile girls' before suicide

Unveiled: Shocking Epstein Letter Reveals Presidential Ties to Young Women

In a disturbing 2019 postcard, Jeffrey Epstein alleged that “our president” has…