Clogged Airplane Toilets Force Flight Back To O'Hare, Airline Says

CHICAGO — A flight from Chicago to Delhi was recently diverted after eight of 12 bathrooms on board became unusable due to items, including clothes, that were flushed into the plumbing, according to Air India.

Flight AI126 departed O’Hare International Airport on March 5, but about an hour and 45 minutes into the trip, the crew reported some bathrooms in business and economy class were unusable, Air India said in a prepared statement.

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

At that point, the aircraft was over the Atlantic, but due to night restrictions at most European airports, the plane diverted back to Chicago, according to the airline. Upon landing, passengers received hotel accommodations and alternative flight options.

“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,” the statement said.

Air India has previously found blankets, innerwear and diapers flushed down its in-flight toilets, according to the airline.

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