Passenger Trapped in Airplane Bathroom Forces Emergency Landing Because Cabin Crew Couldn't Get Him Out

How one passenger's bathroom break turned into a $3.4 million problem for Boeing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new safety directive after a passenger became trapped in an aircraft lavatory due to a broken door latch, prompting an unscheduled landing.

According to the agency, the incident occurred when the bifold bathroom door malfunctioned mid-flight, rendering it impossible to open. Flight attendants were also unable to assist, ultimately requiring the pilots to divert the aircraft and land prematurely. The FAA noted that in such situations, a trapped passenger could face serious injury during otherwise survivable emergency scenarios, such as severe turbulence or a medical emergency.

SpiceJet's Boeing 737-8 MAX

The FAA has since identified faulty lavatory door latches associated with four specific part numbers and recommended that airlines replace them. The directive applies to several Boeing aircraft models: the 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, 737 Max 8, and 737 Max 9. Boeing reports that 3,461 of these aircraft have been delivered to U.S. customers, and the FAA estimates that up to 75% of them may have potentially defective latches.

The agency estimates the cost of compliance with the directive could total $3.4 million industry-wide. This includes both labor and new latches, which may cost up to $481 each. Some expenses could be offset by warranties.

The note from the crew to the passenger locked on SpiceJet flight

Stakeholders have until May 27 to submit feedback on the proposed directive.

Although the FAA did not release further details about the specific flight that prompted the investigation, the incident adds to a growing list of in-flight bathroom malfunctions that have led to disruptions. In one recent case, an Air India flight from Chicago to New Delhi had to turn back mid-journey after a passenger attempted to flush bags, rags, and clothing, rendering most of the toilets unusable. In another incident in February 2024, a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles was forced to return after eight of the nine lavatories on board stopped functioning.