India, March 7 -- An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi that departed on Wednesday turned around and landed back in the American city 10 hours later after all but one of its lavatories were clogged, according to people aware of the matter.

The airline confirmed in a statement on Thursday that flight AI126 had to come back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, citing a "technical issue". "All passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination," the company said in a statement.

A person aware of the matter, who asked not to be named, said the decision to turn around was made when nine of the ...