'Everyone Was Staying Quiet ': Passenger Onboard Diverted New York-Delhi Flight Recalls Panic After Bomb Hoax

An American Airlines flight, carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome on Sunday, according to information on a flight tracking website. The route was changed following an alleged “bomb scare" according to the spokesperson of an Italian airport. American Airlines flight AAL292 departed New York's JFK International Airport on February 22 at 8:14 pm and was scheduled to arrive in Delhi. The flight landed safely at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome, as per authorities. Visuals of fighter jets escorting the flight also went viral on social media.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told news agency PTI that American Airlines flight AA292 was diverted to Rome after the crew reported a “security issue". American Airlines apologised for the inconvenience to passengers as law enforcement authorities inspected and cleared the aircraft for re-departure.

Breaking: American Airlines Flight AA292, traveling from New York (JFK) to New Delhi (DEL), has made an emergency diversion to Rome following a reported threat. The aircraft is currently being escorted by Eurofighter jets as it approaches the airport. pic.twitter.com/q4DzpURjGc

— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) February 23, 2025

“The flight landed safely at FCO (Rome), and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart," American Airlines said in a statement on Sunday. It also said the flight may stay in Rome overnight so the crew can get the required rest before continuing to Delhi.

READ MORE: Telangana Tunnel Collapse: CM Reddy Reviews Rescue Ops Amid ‘Bleak’ Chances Of Trapped Workers’ Survival

Passenger Reacts

An IT consultant aboard the flight, Mahesh Kumar, said the pilot announced the diversion to Rome due to “security reasons" about three hours before landing.

“Everyone was afraid. Everyone was staying quiet and obeying the orders," the 55-year-old from Texas told AFP. “They asked us to sit down and not to roam around while the fighter jets were near us."

READ MORE: Bengaluru Sees Surge In Temperature But No Early Onset Of Summer | IMD Explains

“The possible issue was determined to be non-credible, but per DEL Airport protocol, an inspection was required before landing at DEL," said an American Airlines official. Rome airport operations were not affected by the incident, according to the airport spokesperson.

(With Agency Inputs)