New York-Delhi Diverted Flight Cleared for Departure from Rome After 'Suspected Bomb Threat'

Rome: An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight travelling to New Delhi from New York, was diverted to Rome following a ‘suspected bomb threat’ and made a dramatic landing on Sunday under fighter escort. In the latest update, the flight has now been cleared for departure from Rome.

Departure from Rome Cleared for Diverted New York-Delhi Flight

The American Airlines Boeing 787-9 aircraft, was supposed to land in Delhi but made an emergency landing at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport at 5:30 pm (local time) following a ‘security issue’. The aircraft with 199 passengers and 15 crew members has been cleared for departure after a thorough investigation and inspection.

American Airlines Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Following ‘Bomb Threat’

The airplane was only two hours away from its destination when it suddenly turned around over Turkmenistan, as confirmed by the airline, citing a "potential security concern." Passengers reported that the first indication something was amiss came when the captain informed them of a "diversion due to a security issue," resulting in a quick 180-degree turn away from New Delhi and back towards Europe.

Italian Air Force fighter jets accompanied the American Airlines aircraft to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport, where it landed without incident, as reported by the airport to ABC News. In a statement, the airline said that passengers' safety and security are their highest priorities and they are highly appreciative of their customers' understanding. 

A senior official informed ABC News that a bomb threat email was received but it later turned out to be a hoax. The Indian authorities also requested a thorough inspection of the aircraft before it could resume its journey to New Delhi, according to the official. The passengers were taken for screening at the terminal while the aircraft was inspected.