flight diverted security alert

American Airlines Flight Diverted to Rome After Security Scare, Escorted by Fighter Jets

ByBrass Report Staff Reading Time: 3 minutes

American Airlines Flight 292 from New York to New Delhi made an emergency landing in Rome after receiving a potential bomb threat during its journey. Italian fighter jets escorted the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 199 passengers and crew, to Leonardo da Vinci Airport on February 23. While passengers remained tense during the ordeal, authorities later deemed the security threat non-credible. This incident showcases how aviation officials handle potential threats with swift precision and coordination.

After receiving a potential bomb threat via email, American Airlines Flight 292 diverted to Rome on Sunday while en route from New York to New Delhi. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 199 passengers plus crew, departed JFK Airport on February 22 at 8:14 PM local time before the security concern prompted Italian authorities to escort the aircraft to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Critical security threat forces American Airlines flight carrying 199 passengers to make emergency landing in Rome during New York to Delhi journey.

In a dramatic display of flight safety protocols, two Italian Air Force fighter jets accompanied the aircraft as it approached Rome, with passengers instructed to remain in their seats during the escort. Airport spokesperson Francesco Garibaldi confirmed the emergency landing preparations at Fiumicino. The pilot informed travelers of the diversion for “security reasons” approximately three hours before landing, though the specific nature of the threat wasn’t disclosed to those on board.

Mahesh Kumar, a 55-year-old IT consultant from Texas, described the tense atmosphere as passengers complied with crew instructions while watching the fighter jets through their windows. The security issue proved non-credible after thorough investigation by authorities. Passenger Neeraj Chopra confirmed the captain’s announcement regarding the security status change. Among those affected were 15 crew members who maintained their professional composure throughout the ordeal. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the diversion but declined to provide specific details about the security concern. The aircraft touched down safely at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 5:22 PM CET on February 23, where law enforcement immediately began their security response.

American Airlines emphasized passenger security as their top priority, confirming they’d received a “possible security concern” that later proved non-credible. The airline thanked customers for their understanding as Italian police escorted them from the aircraft to undergo additional screening at the terminal.

The incident occurred while the flight was crossing the Caspian Sea, with Indian authorities requesting an aircraft inspection before permitting the flight to enter Delhi’s airspace. Rome’s airport was selected from several major airports along the flight route, and operations continued normally during the security response.

Video footage captured by onlookers showed the fighter jet escort, which quickly circulated on social media. Law enforcement thoroughly inspected the aircraft after landing, eventually clearing it of any threats. However, due to required crew rest periods, the flight will remain in Rome overnight.

The airline has scheduled the continuation of the journey to Delhi for February 24, 2025, following a thorough aircraft inspection and additional passenger screening. American Airlines has apologized to customers for the inconvenience, though many passengers expressed their appreciation for the crew’s professional handling of the situation.

The incident highlights the aviation industry’s robust response to security threats, even when they’re ultimately determined to be non-credible. The coordination between American Airlines, Italian authorities, and air traffic control demonstrated the international cooperation necessary to guarantee air travel safety, though it meant an unexpected stopover for passengers enthusiastic to reach their final destination in India.

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