American Airlines flight from New York to Delhi diverted to Rome after security concern
Share and Follow

ROME (AP) — An American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi, India, landed safely in Rome on Sunday afternoon after it was diverted due to a security concern, which later proved to be “non-credible,” the airline said.

American Airlines said Flight 292 “was inspected by law enforcement” after landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and “cleared to re-depart.”

It didn’t clarify the cause of the security concern, but added an inspection was required by protocol before the flight could land in New Delhi.

American Airlines flight AA292 en route from New York to New Delhi that turned around over the Caspian Sea Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, sits on the tamarack of Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International airport. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

“The flight will stay in Rome overnight to allow for required crew rest before continuing to Delhi as soon as possible tomorrow,” the airline said.

An Associated Press reporter filmed two fighter jets flying over the airport shortly before the unscheduled landing. Fire trucks were visible on the landing strip on one side of the plane after it landed.

Neeraj Chopra, one of the passengers on board, said the captain announced that the plane had to turn around about three hours before it was supposed to land in New Delhi because of a change in “security status.”

Chopra, who was traveling from Detroit, Michigan to visit family, described the mood on the plane as calm after the initial announcement but said he began to feel stressed when the captain later announced that fighter jets would be escorting their plane to Rome.

“I felt a little panic of, okay, what’s going on here?” Chopra told the AP. “There’s got to be like something bigger going on here.”

Passenger Jonathan Bacon, 22, from Dayton, Ohio, started paying attention to the flight tracker on the seatback in front of him after the captain’s announcement of a “diversion due to a security issue,” observing the plane’s sharp turn away from New Delhi and route back toward Rome.

Passengers had no Internet connection for much of the flight, Bacon said, with only some spotty access that clued them into early reports of the situation about two hours before landing.

After landing, Bacon said all passengers were loaded onto buses and taken to the terminal, where each passenger and their personal items underwent additional security screenings that were time-consuming and felt “slightly heightened,” especially for arrivals. More than two hours after landing, Bacon and his friend said they were still waiting for their checked baggage, which they said were also undergoing security screenings.

“It was definitely the longest flight to Europe I’ve ever taken,” Bacon said.

A spokesperson for the airport said it was continuing to operate normally.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Luigi Mangione's attorneys say death-eligible charge must be dismissed

Luigi Mangione’s Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Death Penalty Charge

The federal charge that makes accused killer Luigi Mangione eligible for the…
Sean Dunnavant sentenced to life in prison for West Rogers Park, Chicago shooting death of liquor store owner Salim Khamo

Sean Dunnavant Given Life Sentence for Fatal Shooting of Liquor Store Owner Salim Khamo in West Rogers Park, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Gulf War veteran has been sentenced to life…
'Family Matters' star Darius McCrary arrested near U.S.-Mexico border

'Family Matters' star Darius McCrary arrested near U.S.-Mexico border

(KTLA) — Actor and singer Darius McCrary, best known for playing Eddie…
Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of runners descend on Windy City ahead of Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 12

Chicago Marathon 2025: Thousands of Athletes Converge on the Windy City for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12

CHICAGO (WLS) — With less than a day until the start of…
Biden undergoes radiation therapy as cancer care enters a new phase

Biden Begins Radiation Treatment Marking New Stage in Cancer Care

Former President Joe Biden is undergoing a new phase of treatment for…
Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning actor who rose to fame in 'The Godfather' and 'Annie Hall,' dies at 79

Oscar-winning Actor Diane Keaton, Known for 'The Godfather' and 'Annie Hall,' Passes Away at 79

Diane Keaton, the actor beloved for her roles in “The Godfather” films…
Trump reacts to not winning the Nobel Peace Prize

Trump Responds to Missing Out on Nobel Peace Prize

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Pro-Palestinian agitators attack police as riot erupts in Dem-run city, officials say

Police union leader says pro-Palestinian rioters ‘lured’ officers into ‘gauntlet,’ warns agitators

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The president of a…