Air France Flight AF500, a Boeing 777-300ER en route to Lima Diverts Mid-Atlantic After Toilet Issue, Declares an Emergency And Returns to Paris with Passengers on Board

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Air France Flight AF500, a Boeing 777-300ER traveling from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Lima, Peru, was forced to declare an emergency and return to Paris after encountering a technical issue over the Atlantic Ocean on the morning of November 26, 2025. The aircraft, which had been airborne for approximately two hours, was diverted back to Paris due to a malfunction with the toilet system located at the rear of the plane.

What Happened?

Air France Flight AF500 took off from Charles de Gaulle Airport at 10:38 CET on November 26, beginning its planned 12-hour journey to Lima, Peru. The Boeing 777-300ER, registered F-GSQO, climbed to an altitude of 31,000 feet shortly after takeoff. However, as the aircraft crossed France’s coastline and entered the mid-Atlantic, the pilots reported a technical issue involving the aircraft’s toilet system.

As a result of the problem, the crew declared an emergency, broadcasting the 7700 squawk code—the emergency transponder signal indicating a general aircraft emergency. The flight crew, following standard protocol, initiated a U-turn over the Atlantic Ocean and began descending to 28,000 feet while heading back toward Paris.

Who Was Affected?

The emergency situation affected the 200 passengers aboard Flight AF500, along with the crew. While the malfunction was not considered life-threatening, it did require the aircraft to return to Paris. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew during the incident. Passengers were informed of the diversion and were later transferred to another aircraft for a subsequent departure.

Where Did the Emergency Occur?

The emergency U-turn took place while the aircraft was over the Atlantic Ocean, shortly after it had reached cruising altitude. The flight, which had been heading toward Lima, was approximately halfway into its journey when the issue with the aircraft’s toilet system prompted the diversion. The aircraft circled over the ocean for a brief period before descending and returning to Paris. The aircraft landed back at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 13:01 LT, just over two hours after the emergency was declared.

Why Did the Flight Return to Paris?

The reason for the diversion was a malfunction with the toilet system at the rear of the aircraft, a technical issue that, while not directly affecting the flight’s safety, warranted the return to Paris for a more thorough inspection and repairs. In addition, long-haul flights typically require working restroom facilities for both passengers and crew. The issue was considered serious enough to justify returning to Paris, especially given the long duration of the flight and the need for functional amenities.

How Was the Situation Handled?

After the emergency declaration, the crew followed established protocols for emergency landings. They communicated with air traffic control and began the return to Paris, while also descending to a lower altitude to conserve fuel and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. The aircraft was monitored as it returned to Charles de Gaulle Airport, where it landed safely without incident.

Upon landing, the aircraft taxied to its designated gate at Terminal 2F, where passengers were disembarked and taken to the terminal. The Air France maintenance team began inspecting the aircraft at 13:50 LT, assessing the toilet system issue and ensuring the plane was safe for its next flight.

What’s Next for Passengers?

After the aircraft’s landing, Air France confirmed that a new Boeing 777 would be ready for a 16:00 CET departure to Lima. Passengers were informed of the delay, and those who wished to continue their journey to Peru were transferred to the spare aircraft. Air France ensured that all necessary accommodations were made to minimize inconvenience.

The Aftermath and Next Steps

This emergency incident follows a string of recent events where aircraft have been diverted due to technical issues, but such situations are relatively rare. The toilet malfunction on Air France Flight AF500 is being thoroughly investigated by Air France engineers, and the airline has assured that the issue will be addressed promptly. It remains unclear whether the technical issue is unique to the specific aircraft or if it is part of a broader maintenance concern.

While technical diversions are not uncommon in the aviation industry, Air France has a history of handling such situations with expertise, ensuring that safety and passenger comfort remain the top priority.

Conclusion

The incident involving Air France Flight AF500 highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and comfort, even in unexpected situations. Though the toilet malfunction was an inconvenience, the aircraft returned to Paris safely, and passengers were provided with alternatives to continue their journey. As Air France works to resolve the technical issue, passengers can rest assured that their safety remains the airline’s primary concern.

As the investigation into the incident continues, Air France will ensure all necessary repairs are made before the aircraft returns to service. Meanwhile, passengers on the diverted flight were safely transferred to another aircraft for their continued journey to Lima.