An American Airlines flight from Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth diverted to New York after six of the Boeing 777’s eight lavatories stopped working during the transatlantic journey, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Flight 37 was carrying 287 people when the crew reported that only two toilets remained operational.
Flight 37 Diverts to New York
American Airlines Flight 37 was travelling from Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth on Tuesday, Oct. 6, when the crew decided to make an unscheduled stop at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. As the aircraft approached the New York area, the pilot told air traffic controllers that only two lavatories remained available for the 287 people aboard.
“We have only two potties operating on board for American 37,” the pilot said, according to air traffic control audio. The controlled confirmed the situation, and the pilot responded that the report was correct.
The FAA later confirmed that the aircraft landed at JFK after the crew reported an “inadequate number of operational lavatories.” The agency did not report any problems with the aircraft’s engines or primary flight systems.
Crew Declares Pan-Pan
The crew declared a “pan-pan” urgency call while approaching JFK. In aviation, the signal indicates an urgent situation that requires attention but does not pose an immediate threat to life.
According to reports, the aircraft still had more than four hours of fuel remaining when the crew diverted. The extra fuel made the Boeing 777 heavier than it would normally be for landing, adding another operational consideration for the crew. The aircraft landed safely at JFK, where it remained for more than three hours before continuing to Dallas-Fort Worth, according to flight-tracking data.
The Boeing 777-200ER arrived in New York after more than seven hours in the air. The cause of the lavatory failures has not been publicly disclosed. American Airlines has not immediately provided additional details on the incident in its latest reports. The diversion shows how an operational problem that doesn’t directly affect an aircraft’s engine or flight controls can still lead to an unscheduled landing, especially on a long-haul flight with hundreds of passengers aboard.
Only two toilets were working for 287 passengers. Would that have been enough for you on a long-haul flight? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
