Panic in air: Why did New York-Delhi flight makes emergency landing in Rome?

An American Airlines flight (AA292) from New York to New Delhi was unexpectedly diverted to Rome on Sunday due to a reported security issue, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. The flight, which departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), was en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) when it was forced to make an emergency landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome at approximately 5:30 PM local time.

Why was the flight diverted?

While the FAA did not disclose specific details, sources suggest that the diversion was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of 199 passengers and crew members. However, according to Reuters and Flight Emergency, the diversion was triggered by an alleged bomb threat. Social media footage captured the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner being escorted by the Italian Air Force fighter jets before landing safely in Rome. Reports indicate that the threat was received via email while the plane was flying over the Caspian Sea. A senior official later stated that the bomb threat was deemed unfounded.

Security response and passenger safety

Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was escorted by two military fighter jets, and upon arrival in Rome, all passengers were disembarked and provided assistance. Italian airport authorities confirmed that operations at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport remained unaffected despite the incident. So far, American Airlines has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the specifics of the security threat.

American airlines' international network

American Airlines operates an extensive global flight network, serving over 60 countries worldwide. This latest incident raises concerns over aviation security, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance in international air travel.