A dramatic mid-air security scare unfolded on Sunday as American Airlines Flight AA292, en route from New York to Delhi, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Rome following a bomb threat. The Delhi-bound Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was intercepted and escorted by two Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets as a precautionary measure.
Bomb Threat Forces Emergency Landing
According to reports, the bomb threat was received while the aircraft was flying near Turkmenistan. Upon entering Italian airspace, the airline alerted authorities, leading to the immediate deployment of Eurofighter jets to guide the plane safely to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 confirmed that the aircraft, registered as N840AN, executed a U-turn mid-flight and landed under strict security protocols. Video footage captured the tense moments as the fighter jets flanked the passenger plane while it descended toward the airport.
Investigation Underway
After landing, Italian authorities initiated a comprehensive security check on the aircraft. The passengers and crew were evacuated, while bomb disposal units and aviation security teams conducted a thorough search of the aircraft to assess the threat.
An official from Italian aviation security stated that all passengers and crew members were being questioned as part of the investigation. Authorities are also working to trace the origin of the bomb threat and determine whether it was credible.
American Airlines Issues Statement
American Airlines confirmed the incident in an official statement, assuring that passenger safety remained the airline’s highest priority. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with authorities and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” the airline said.
Heightened Security Measures
The incident has raised fresh concerns over aviation security, prompting authorities to review protocols for handling in-flight threats. Italian authorities have assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure passenger safety and that the situation was under control.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the nature of the threat and any potential suspects. Passengers from the diverted flight are expected to be re-routed to their final destination once security clearances are completed.