American Flight Diverts to Rome Amid Bomb Threat
An American Airlines flight en route from New York to Delhi was forced to divert midair and was escorted to Rome by Italian fighter jets after a security threat was detected on board. The incident, which took place on February 23, 2024, involved American Airlines flight 292, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The flight departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 20:42 local time, heading for Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, India.
While cruising over the Caspian Sea, the flight crew encountered a potential security issue that prompted them to request an emergency diversion. According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft executed a sudden 180-degree turn and headed back toward Europe. The diversion ultimately led the flight to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
The Italian Air Force later confirmed that the reason behind the diversion was a potential bomb threat on board the aircraft. Shortly after 16:00 local time, NATO’s Combined Air Operation Centre in Torrejon, Spain, issued an order to scramble two Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Grosseto Airport (GRS), the base of Italy’s 4th Wing (4° Stormo). These jets were tasked with identifying and escorting the American Airlines aircraft.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the dramatic escort, showing the sleek Boeing 787-9 being closely followed by the two Eurofighter Typhoons. The military jets successfully met the aircraft, and together they safely escorted it to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. The aircraft touched down around 17:30 local time without incident.
After landing, all 199 passengers disembarked using the stairways as security teams carried out thorough inspections of both the aircraft and its baggage. Local media sources later reported that detailed checks on the plane and its cargo returned negative results, confirming that no explosive device was found. Importantly, airport operations at Rome’s Fiumicino remained largely unaffected by the diversion.
American Airlines has since issued a statement assuring the public that it is “working closely with local authorities” to investigate the incident further and evaluate the exact nature of the security threat. The airline’s swift action, combined with the Italian Air Force’s prompt response, helped ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
This incident adds to a recent pattern of increased bomb threats on flights to and from India, leading to several emergency landings in recent months. For instance, an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was forced to divert to Delhi in October 2024 after a similar threat was reported. The rising frequency of such threats underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by international carriers amid a complex global security environment.
In the aftermath of the diversion, aviation experts have reiterated that such precautionary measures are vital to maintaining the highest levels of safety in air travel. While these events can cause significant disruption, they also highlight the robust protocols in place that enable airlines and military authorities to react quickly and efficiently, ensuring that passenger safety remains the top priority.
As investigations continue, both American Airlines and the relevant authorities are working to pinpoint the source of the false alarm and prevent future incidents. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the vigilance required in today’s complex security landscape, where even a potential threat is taken seriously to protect the lives of millions of travelers around the world.
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