An American Airlines flight en route from New York to New Delhi made an emergency landing in Rome on Sunday after a bomb threat, which was later deemed non-credible. The flight, AA 292, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, had approximately 200 passengers on board when it departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport. The crew was alerted to a potential bomb threat via email while the aircraft was over the Caspian Sea, according to Reuters.
Faced with this situation, the pilot opted to divert the plane to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome, where it landed safely around 11:15 a.m. ET. During the approach, two Italian Air Force fighter jets escorted the aircraft. A video shared by Mexican journalist Rosendo Chavarría shows the Italian military planes accompanying the American aircraft as it headed to the Roman airport.
"These stunning images of an Italian Air Force Eurofighter show an American Airlines plane #AA292 intercepted in the air and escorted to Rome-Fiumicino after a bomb threat forced an emergency diversion," the journalist noted.
Once on the ground, local authorities inspected the plane and concluded that the threat was not credible, as reported by the Associated Press (AP). Passengers disembarked and were subjected to additional security checks, experiencing delays in retrieving their checked luggage. Airport operations resumed as normal following the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About the American Airlines Emergency Landing
Why did the American Airlines flight land in Rome?
The flight was diverted to Rome due to a bomb threat received via email, which was later found to be non-credible.
What steps were taken during the emergency landing?
The aircraft was escorted to Rome by two Italian Air Force fighter jets, and upon landing, it was inspected by local authorities.
Were there any delays for passengers?
Yes, passengers faced delays as they went through additional security checks and waited for their checked luggage.