Texas-bound American Airlines flight diverted to New York’s JFK after six out of eight lavatories stopped working: ‘Only two potties?’

An American Airlines flight diverted as six out of eight restrooms stopped working (File photo)

An American Airlines transatlantic flight had to divert because six lavatories stopped working mid-air. American Airlines flight 37 was traveling from Madrid, Spain, to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on October 6 when it diverted to New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport. The restroom problem was discussed between the cockpit and air traffic control as the flight requested permission to land. When a controller asked why the aircraft needed to divert, the pilot reported that only two lavatories remained operational.“You said only two potties, is that right?” the controller asked. “That’s affirmative,” the pilot responded.The conversation was sourced from LiveATC.net, a website that streams air traffic control communications.An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed the diversion to US media and asserted that it was indeed 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 spokesperson said to Fox News.The aircraft landed at JFK, underwent an inspection and then departed from DFW again. “We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and apologize for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson added.Though the reason for diversion may sound frivolous, aviation expert Steven Arroyo told Fox News that long lines for the restroom can present a security protocol problem and also lead to situations where passengers have to stay in line though the seat belt sign is turned on.“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,” he continued. That would then allow “maintenance personnel to board and fix the plane.”