American Airlines Flight 292, traveling from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to India, was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome after a security threat prompted the airline to divert its course.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying approximately 285 passengers, was over the Caspian Sea when the crew was alerted to a possible bomb threat, leading to an immediate change in flight path. Italian authorities later deemed the threat unfounded.
Two Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes were deployed to escort the jet safely to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport, where it landed at 11:15 a.m. EST on Sunday.
BREAKING.🚨
Fighter Jets Escort American Airlines Flight to Emergency Landing After 'Bomb Threat'
American Airlines Flight 292 was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome on Sunday after a security threat prompted the airline to divert its course.
The Boeing 787-9… pic.twitter.com/jbAKEKnpQx
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) February 23, 2025
Passengers and crew were promptly evacuated while Italian authorities conducted security assessments. Francesco Garibaldi, a spokesperson for the airport, stated that thorough security checks would be performed before the plane could continue its journey. Indian authorities had insisted that the aircraft be inspected prior to its arrival in New Delhi.
American Airlines released a statement emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety: “Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding. We are working closely with local authorities and will provide updates as the situation develops.”
The airline, which is still recovering from a fatal collision involving an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., last month, continues to face scrutiny over aviation safety.
Footage from the incident showed the aircraft making a tense landing while the fighter jets followed closely behind. Onlookers at the airport watched as security personnel swiftly moved in to handle the developing situation. Flight Radar 24 reported that the diversion was due to a bomb threat received via email. Passengers were transported by bus to the terminal for screening as officials prepared to inspect the aircraft.
The incident comes amid a series of aviation-related emergencies. On February 21, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping onto its back upon impact. Fortunately, all passengers survived, though some sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, in a separate tragedy, an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter collided midair on January 29 near Washington Reagan National Airport, leaving no survivors. These events have raised renewed concerns about airline safety and emergency preparedness.
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