American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi diverted to Rome after security issue
An American Airlines flight en route from New York City to New Delhi, India, was turned around over the Caspian Sea and landed in Rome after a security incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration did not elaborate on what was the security issue but said it was reported by the crew aboard American Airlines Flight 292.
A spokesman for the Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) Airport told CBS News that the 199 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the aircraft were made aware of the problem while it was over the Caspian Sea. They said it landed at FCO airport because it can cope with this type of incident, however, they did not elaborate on the reason for the change in flight plans.
Manish Swarup / AP
The spokesperson said two Italian military fighter jets flanked the plane as it arrived at Rome’s airport.
Fire trucks were visible on the landing strip on one side of the plane after it landed. No injuries were reported.
The airport continued to operate normally, the spokesman told the AP.
A spokesperson for American Airlines told CBS News that “safety and security are our top priorities and we thank our customers for their understanding.”
The airline did not elaborate on what caused the security incident.
The flight, which departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport, was heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital of India.
