An international flight headed to Texas turned into an unexpected travel ordeal after six of the plane’s lavatories stopped functioning midair.
American Airlines Flight 37 was flying from Madrid to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Oct. 6 when the crew diverted to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport because of the restroom problem.
An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed the diversion to Fox News Digital, explaining that it was caused by “an issue with the aircraft’s lavatories.”
“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,” the airline said.
Reports indicated that just two of the aircraft’s eight bathrooms remained usable during the transatlantic journey.
The seriousness of the situation was captured in air traffic control communications obtained through LiveATC.net, which streams cockpit and controller transmissions.
After an air traffic controller asked why the pilots needed to change course, the flight crew explained that only two lavatories were still operating.
“You said only two potties, is that right?” the controller asked.
“That’s affirmative,” the pilot replied.
The aircraft landed safely at JFK and was taken for a maintenance evaluation, American Airlines said.
“The aircraft landed normally and later re-departed for DFW following a maintenance inspection,” the airline said.
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“We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and apologize for the inconvenience.”
Steven Arroyo, a Florida-based aviation expert and retired airline captain, told Fox News Digital that passenger comfort and hygiene played a major role in the captain’s decision to divert.
Arroyo also noted that extended restroom lines could create security and safety complications, especially if passengers remained standing while the seat belt sign was illuminated instead of returning to their seats.
Because the flight was international, Arroyo said the crew and airline would have needed to select a U.S. airport equipped to handle customs and immigration procedures, such as JFK, Newark, Philadelphia or Boston. After landing, maintenance workers could board the aircraft and address the malfunction.
The unusual airline diversion quickly sparked online discussion, with travelers recounting their own experiences involving malfunctioning airplane bathrooms.
“There was ONE person that clogged two separate lavs on a cross-country 757,” one Reddit user wrote. “[The crew] said if we lost one more, we’d divert. I was so nervous.”
Another commenter claimed that a family member had been aboard a flight from Punta Cana to Philadelphia that took off without any functioning lavatories.
“They even announced there would be no beverage service because there were no working restrooms,” the user wrote.
Fox News Digital has previously reported on another U.S.-bound flight that was disrupted after experiencing an in-flight problem.
A British Airways flight from London to Chicago descended roughly 27,000 feet before turning back toward London following what the airline described as a “technical issue.”
Flight tracking data showed the Boeing 777 remaining airborne for several hours before landing safely at London Heathrow Airport.
