US flight heading towards Delhi escorted by fighter jets to Rome following bomb hoax
US flight heading towards Delhi escorted by fighter jets to Rome following bomb hoax
Digital Desk: In big breaking news, an American Airlines flight from New York to Delhi was forced to land in Rome on Sunday due to a reported suspected 'bomb threat'. The Italian Air Force fighter aircraft escorted the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which carried 199 passengers and 15 crew members, to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the diversion was implemented after the crew noticed a 'security issue'. The aircraft touched down safely at 5:30 p.m. local time, where it was subsequently investigated by law enforcement authorities.
The plane was subjected to a comprehensive security check upon arrival, and all procedures were followed. According to Italian news agency ANSA, American Airlines requested the flight be redirected because of a "suspected bomb threat" that necessitated a security examination.
After a thorough review, the threat was deemed 'non-credible', and the aircraft was 'approved to re-depart'. This inspection followed the Delhi airport's regulations, which require all such threats to be thoroughly probed, regardless of their authenticity.
The airplane carried around 200 passengers, who spent the night in Rome while the crew complied with the necessary rest regulations.
The FAA and American Airlines confirmed that the safety measures implemented were in accordance with international aviation regulations.
