An American Airlines flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to New Delhi, India, was forced to divert to Rome on Sunday due to a bomb threat onboard. The flight, AA 292, was accompanied by two Italian Air Force fighter jets as it made an emergency landing at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport, where it was met by law enforcement and emergency personnel for security checks.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members, had been in the air for nearly 12 hours and was just two hours from its destination when it abruptly turned around over Turkmenistan due to what the airline called a “possible security issue.” Passengers first became aware of the situation when the captain announced a “diversion due to a security issue,” prompting concerns.
As the aircraft made its way back to Europe, it was escorted by two Italian Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes, a moment captured in jaw-dropping images shared on social media. The Italian Air Force later confirmed that the diversion was due to a suspected bomb onboard.
Upon landing at approximately 11:15 a.m. ET, passengers were taken by bus to the terminal along with their luggage, where they underwent additional security screenings. Some passengers reported waiting more than two hours for their checked baggage as authorities conducted thorough inspections.
Bomb Threat Deemed ‘Non-Credible’
After a detailed security check, Italian authorities determined that the bomb threat was not credible. American Airlines released a statement assuring that “Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding.”
Despite the bomb threat being lifted shortly after 9:00 p.m. local time, the flight was grounded overnight in Rome to allow for mandatory crew rest. Passengers cleared to enter Europe were provided hotel accommodations, while those who could not enter the Schengen Area were accommodated in designated airport lounges.
Ongoing Aviation Security Concerns
This incident comes just two weeks after another American Airlines flight was evacuated in Texas due to a passenger’s Wi-Fi hotspot named “There is a bomb on the flight.” The airline continues to work with local authorities to investigate and enhance security measures.
For now, passengers of AA 292 remain in Rome, awaiting clearance to continue their journey to New Delhi.
