Ground staff unblocked an Air India plane toilet that caused an emergency landing.

Flight AI 126 bound for Delhi was forced to turn back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport after a severe toilet blockage rendered most of its lavatories unusable on March 5.

The airline management said that eight out of twelve lavatories on the Boeing 777-337 aircraft became inoperable due to blockages about an hour and forty-five minutes into the trip.

The flight had to also return because potential diversion airports in Europe had nighttime operational restrictions.

Footage shows airline workers removing flushed polythene bags and garments that had clogged the plumbing system.

The airline reported that items such as clothes, rags, and plastic bags were improperly disposed of in the toilets, causing severe clogs and making them unusable.

Air India apologised to passengers who experienced discomfort and acknowledged social media discussions about the lavatory issues.

'Passenger comfort and safety were our top priorities in deciding to turn back over the Atlantic Ocean,' the airline said.

The aircraft had been airborne for four and a half hours before making the decision to return while flying over Greenland. The return journey took the same amount of time, turning the passengers' ordeal into a nearly ten-hour-long disruption.

Air India urged travellers to use lavatories only for their intended purposes, revealing that items such as blankets, underwear, and diapers had been found blocking the toilets.