An American Airlines flight traveling from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome on February 22 due to a reported bomb scare, according to officials quoted by news agency AFP.
The flight, AA292, had taken off from New York’s JFK International Airport and was headed for New Delhi. However, it was rerouted to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. The Boeing 787-9, which was carrying 199 passengers and crew, landed safely without incident.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that the diversion was a result of an “alleged bomb threat.” American Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely, reassuring passengers with a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and security. The airline also expressed gratitude for passengers’ cooperation during the situation.
In accordance with safety protocols for such threats, the aircraft was escorted by two Italian fighter jets until it reached Rome. Once on the ground, all passengers were safely disembarked and provided assistance. The diversion did not impact the operations at the airport.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the plane’s safe landing after the crew reported the security issue. The flight, which departed from JFK at 8:14 pm on February 22, was scheduled to land in Rome around 5:30 pm local time.
Social media images showed the Boeing 787-9 being escorted by the Italian Air Force as it approached Rome.
