American Airlines Flight Diverts to JFK After Six of Eight Lavatories Stop Working

An American Airlines flight from Madrid to Texas diverted to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport after six lavatories stopped working.

Six Out of Eight Lavatories Stopped Working

The incident occurred on October 6, when six of the aircraft’s eight lavatories stopped working during the transatlantic flight. 

An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed the incident. The spokesperson said, “On Oct. 6, American Airlines flight 37, with service from Madrid (MAD) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), diverted to New York (JFK) due to an issue with the aircraft’s lavatories.”

LiveATC.net, a website that streams air traffic control communications, recorded communications that revealed the extent of the problem. 

A recording of cockpit communications captured a controller asking the pilot why they were diverting the flight.

The controller asked, “You said only two potties, is that right?” 

The pilot replied, “That’s affirmative.”

The aircraft landed safely at JFK and underwent maintenance procedure according to American Airlines. The aircraft remained at JFK for more than three hours before continuing to Dallas, several hours behind schedule. 

The airline said, “The aircraft landed normally and later re-departed for DFW following a maintenance inspection.” It added, “We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and apologize for the inconvenience.”

Passenger Comfort and Hygiene

Steven Arroyo, a retired airline captain in Florida, told Fox News Digital that “passenger comfort and hygiene heavily influenced” the pilot’s decision. 

He also added that “From a safety perspective, the inherent long lines for the restroom can present a security protocol problem, not to mention safety concerns for passengers who stay in line if the seat belt sign is turned on, rather than return to their seats.”

“Being an international flight, the pilots, in coordination with the airline, would need to divert to a USA gateway airport that has customs and immigration services — such as a JFK, EWR, PHL, BOS,” Arroyo continued.