American Airlines flight diverted to Rome due to bomb threat

An American Airlines flight covering the route from New York (JFK) to New Delhi, India, experienced tense moments Sunday after receiving a bomb threat en route.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 199 passengers and 15 crew members on board, was diverted to Rome-Fiumicino Airport in Italy, where it landed under the escort of two Eurofighter jets from the Italian Air Force.

According to airport sources and the airline, the diversion occurred as a precautionary measure after a security alert was received, specifically an email warning of a possible bomb on board.

The plane, identified as flight AA292, had taken off from New York on Saturday evening, Feb. 22, and was flying over the Caspian Sea near Turkmenistan when it made the decision to change course.

After landing in Rome, the passengers were taken to the terminal to undergo security checks, while Italian authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the plane.

Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the false alarm, while the airline reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority.

The flight is expected to resume its course this Monday, although the exact schedule has not yet been specified.