American Airlines flight forced to divert to Rome over bomb threat email
- An American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome over a possible security issue.
- The flight, which had around 200 passengers, received an email bomb threat while flying over the Caspian Sea.
- The airline confirmed all passengers and crew were safe and emphasized their priority on safety and security.
On February 23, 2025, an American Airlines flight originating from the United States was diverted to Italy due to security concerns. The flight, designated AA292, departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and was en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner carrying approximately 200 individuals, received an alert while flying over the Caspian Sea, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. Reports indicate that a bomb threat was communicated to the airline via email, leading to prompt diversion protocol. Although the bomb threat was later deemed unfounded by a senior official briefed on the situation, precautionary measures were strictly adhered to. The aircraft consequently landed safely at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport, where security personnel and emergency responders were on standby, prepared for any possible contingencies. Upon arrival in Rome, the passengers and crew were safely bussed to the terminal for screening procedures, ensuring that comprehensive safety checks could be conducted both on the aircraft and on those aboard. The airline confirmed that safety and security are their paramount concerns and expressed gratitude towards their passengers for their understanding during this unplanned incident. Italian authorities also demanded thorough checks before the aircraft could continue its journey to New Delhi, even though the threat was found to lack credibility. The diversion of flight AA292 not only highlights the critical importance of aviation safety but also the measures airlines must take in the face of potential threats, even when those threats turn out to be false alarms. Such events are a sobering reminder of the vigilance required in air travel security protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members involved. This incident is part of a broader pattern where airlines and authorities must remain prepared to respond to potential threats quickly, a necessity in today’s aviation landscape.