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American Airlines flight AA292 departed New York’s JFK International Airport on Feb 22 and was scheduled to arrive at Delhi but was diverted to Rome due to a “potential security threat”.
An Italian Eurofighter escorted the American Airlines flight scheduled to land in New Delhi. (AFP)
An American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi – carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members – was diverted to Rome, Italy, on Sunday following an alleged “bomb scare”, according to the spokesperson of an Italian airport.
American Airlines flight AA292 departed New York’s JFK International Airport on 22 February and was scheduled to arrive in Delhi, but was diverted to Rome after authorities claimed a “possible security issue”. The flight landed safely at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome, as per authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told news agency PTI that American Airlines flight AA292 was diverted to Rome after the crew reported a “security issue”. American Airlines apologised for the inconvenience to passengers as law enforcement authorities inspected and cleared the aircraft for re-departure.
Breaking: American Airlines Flight AA292, traveling from New York (JFK) to New Delhi (DEL), has made an emergency diversion to Rome following a reported threat. The aircraft is currently being escorted by Eurofighter jets as it approaches the airport. pic.twitter.com/q4DzpURjGc— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) February 23, 2025
“The flight landed safely at FCO (Rome), and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart,” American Airlines said in a statement on Sunday. It also said the flight may stay in Rome overnight so the crew can get the required rest before continuing to Delhi.
‘Everyone Was Afraid’
Mahesh Kumar, an IT consultant aboard the flight, said the pilot announced the diversion to Rome due to “security reasons” about three hours before landing.
“Everyone was afraid. Everyone was staying quiet and obeying the orders,” the 55-year-old from Texas told AFP. “They asked us to sit down and not to roam around while the fighter jets were near us.”
According to the flight’s status on the American Airlines website, flight AA292 departed New York’s JFK airport at 8:14 pm on 22 February and was estimated to arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Fiumicino, Italy, at around 5:30 pm local time.
“The possible issue was determined to be non-credible, but per DEL Airport protocol, an inspection was required before landing at DEL,” said an American Airlines official. Rome airport operations were not affected by the incident, according to the airport spokesperson.
(with inputs from agencies)
