American Airlines Flight Diverted to Rome Due to Security Issue
An American Airlines flight bound for New Delhi was diverted to Rome on Sunday, March 12, due to a reported security issue. Flight 292, which departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, landed safely at 5:30 p.m. local time at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight was diverted after crew members reported the security issue. The FAA did not specify the nature of the issue.
Law enforcement officers inspected the aircraft and cleared it for re-departure. American Airlines confirmed that the issue was determined to be non-credible, but that protocols at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi required an inspection.
The Associated Press reported that two fighter jets escorted the aircraft to its landing, and fire trucks were on the tarmac upon its arrival.
Safety and Security Paramount
American Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety and security in a statement: "Safety and security are our top priorities and we thank our customers for their understanding."
The airline did not provide further details about the security issue or the specific protocols that triggered the inspection at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Ongoing Investigation
As of the time of this writing, the incident is still being investigated. USA TODAY has reached out to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Indian aviation officials for further information, but no immediate response has been received.
Updates as They Become Available
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available. USA TODAY will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly.
Additional Details
- Flight 292 is operated by American Airlines and uses a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
- The flight was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi at 5:50 a.m. local time on Monday, March 13.
- Passengers on board the flight were reportedly delayed for several hours as authorities conducted the inspection.
- American Airlines has not announced any plans to alter its flight schedule in light of this incident.
Importance of Reporting Security Concerns
The diversion of Flight 292 highlights the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or potential security threats to airline crew members or law enforcement. By doing so, travelers can help ensure the safety and security of aircraft and passengers.
