Brief
American Airlines flight diverts to JFK after six lavatories fail mid‑air
The transatlantic flight landed safely at JFK for maintenance before continuing to Dallas Fort Worth.
By Felo News Desk · Published
American Airlines flight 37, scheduled from Madrid (MAD) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), diverted to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 6 after six of the aircraft’s eight lavatories failed, the airline said to Fox News Digital.
The pilot informed air‑traffic control that only two restrooms remained operational, prompting the controller’s query, “You said only two potties, is that right?” and the pilot’s affirmative reply. LiveATC.net captured the exchange, confirming the issue was the reason for the diversion.
After landing safely at JFK, the plane underwent a maintenance inspection. American Airlines later announced the aircraft re‑departed for Dallas Fort Worth once the problem was resolved. The airline apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing passenger safety and comfort.
Steven Arroyo, an aviation expert and retired airline captain, told Fox News Digital that the decision was driven by “passenger comfort and hygiene” and that long restroom lines can create security and safety concerns, especially if the seat‑belt sign is on. He added that an international flight would need to divert to a U.S. gateway airport with customs and immigration services, such as JFK, to allow maintenance crews to address the problem.
Key facts
- American Airlines flight 37 diverted to JFK on Oct. 6 due to lavatory failure (nypost.com)
- Six of eight lavatories were out of service, leaving only two usable (nypost.com)
- The aircraft landed safely, was inspected, and then continued to Dallas Fort Worth (nypost.com)
- Steven Arroyo said passenger comfort and safety prompted the diversion (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Nightmare American Airlines flight forced to divert to JFK Airport after 6 restrooms fail midair”
