American Airlines flight 37, operating Madrid to Dallas Fort Worth on October 6, diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport after six of the aircraft’s eight lavatories failed in flight, leaving only two operational for a transatlantic load.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion to Fox News Digital, stating the aircraft “landed normally and later re-departed for DFW following a maintenance inspection.”
ATC recordings captured by LiveATC.net documented the exchange. When a controller asked the pilot to confirm the reason for the diversion, the pilot reported only two lavatories remained working. The controller read it back — “You said only two potties, is that right?” — and the pilot confirmed.
Retired airline captain Steven Arroyo told Fox News Digital that passenger comfort and hygiene drove the diversion decision, but the considerations go beyond inconvenience. Long lavatory lines create problems when the seat belt sign is illuminated — passengers queuing in the aisle rather than returning to their seats present a safety concern. There are also security protocol implications when large numbers of passengers congregate near the aft galley for extended periods.
Arroyo also noted the procedural requirement that shaped where the crew could go: as an international inbound flight, the diversion had to be to a U.S. gateway airport with customs and immigration services. JFK qualified, as would Newark, Philadelphia, or Boston. That requirement effectively narrows the options for any crew dealing with a mechanical issue on a transatlantic leg.
At JFK, maintenance personnel were able to board and inspect the aircraft before it continued to Dallas.
