American Airlines Flight 37, a Boeing 777‑300ER, diverted to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 6 after six of its eight lavatories failed mid‑flight. The aircraft was bound from Madrid to Dallas‑Fort Worth when the cockpit crew reported only two toilets were operational, prompting the diversion request to air traffic control.
LiveATC.net captured the cockpit voice: the pilot confirmed the two‑potties situation as the controller asked, “You said only two potties, is that right?” The exchange highlighted the seriousness of the issue, as malfunctioning lavatories can force passengers to remain seated with the seat‑belt sign on, creating a security concern.
An American Airlines spokesperson later told Fox News that the diversion was due to the lavatory malfunction and that the aircraft underwent inspection at JFK before re‑boarding. The airline apologized, stating it “never wants to disrupt our customers’ travel plans” and promised a swift return to service.
Industry analyst Steven Arroyo explained that international flights must divert to U.S. gateways with customs and immigration facilities, such as JFK, to allow maintenance crews to board. Flight 37 departed from DFW later that day after the inspection, returning to its original schedule.