American Airlines Flight Diverted to Rome Over Security Concern
An American Airlines flight en route from New York City to New Delhi experienced an unexpected detour to Rome, Italy, following what the airline characterized as a potential security issue. This incident occurred on Sunday and prompted immediate action from authorities.
Details of the Incident
The flight, identified as American Airlines Flight 292, was intercepted by two Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which escorted the Boeing 787 to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport. This dramatic aerial response was captured on video by aviation blogger David Cenciotti.
Understanding the Security Concern
What We Know
In a statement to LiveNow from FOX, American Airlines confirmed that the flight was redirected over a security threat that was later assessed and found to be “non-credible.” The aircraft had a total of 199 passengers and 15 crew members aboard. Upon landing, passengers were screened at the terminal for safety precautions.
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, the plane made a turnaround over the Caspian Sea before the diversion to Rome, where it underwent thorough inspection before being cleared to continue its journey.
What Remains Unclear
The specifics of the security concern have not been publicly disclosed by American Airlines, although reports from ABC News and Reuters suggest that a bomb threat may have been involved.
Next Steps for Passengers
American Airlines indicated that the flight would remain in Rome overnight to permit the flight crew required rest. The airline plans for Flight 292 to resume its journey to New Delhi on Monday, pending operational readiness.
News Coverage: American Airlines Flight Diverts to Rome
The incident gained substantial media attention, with reports indicating that both security measures and passenger safety were prioritized in the response.
Sources
This report incorporates information from American Airlines, Storyful, ABC News, and Reuters.