An American Airlines flight bound for India was diverted to Rome on Sunday due to a “suspected bomb threat” later found not to be credible, according to the airline and Italian airport officials.
Officials at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport said they conducted security checks on the plane as well as the 199 passengers and 15 crew members of Flight 292 from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to New Delhi following a request from the airline. The security threat was lifted shortly after 9:00 p.m. local time, according to the airport
American Airlines in a statement to USA TODAY said that the issue was determined to be “non-credible,” but Indira Gandhi International Airport protocol required an inspection.
The flight will remain in Rome overnight to allow for required crew rest, according to American Airlines.
The airport said that those on the flight who are cleared to enter Europe have been taken to nearby hotels, while those who are not have been taken to designated airport lounges.
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The Associated Press reported that two fighter jets flew over the airport before the landing. The airport noted that law enforcement and fire personnel were on the tarmac after the plane landed, per protocol.
“Safety and security are our top priorities and we thank our customers for their understanding,” American Airlines said in the statement.
This is a developing story and has been updated.
