American Airlines Flight 292 was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome on February 23, 2025, after a reported security concern disrupted its journey from New York (JFK) to New Delhi, India. Although the threat was later deemed non-credible, the incident led to heightened tension among passengers, with fighter jets escorting the aircraft before it safely landed at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.

Among those on board was Neeraj Chopra, a passenger traveling from Detroit to visit his family in India. Chopra described how the flight had been proceeding as expected until the captain made a mid-air announcement regarding the aircraft’s security status. The sudden diversion came as a surprise to the passengers, and their concerns grew as the aircraft made its course change and military jets appeared alongside.

“You always hear about these things, but when it happens to your flight, your mind races to all kinds of possibilities,” Chopra shared.

The issue arose nearly three hours before the scheduled arrival in New Delhi, prompting authorities to act swiftly. As a precautionary measure, the decision was made to divert the flight to Rome. Fighter jets were deployed to accompany the aircraft as an added security step. Passengers could see the military aircraft escorting their commercial jet, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Upon landing, emergency crews, including fire trucks and security personnel, were stationed along the runway. Italian law enforcement boarded the plane immediately, conducting thorough checks to identify any potential threats. Fortunately, their investigation revealed no credible dangers to the passengers or crew, allowing everyone onboard to breathe a sigh of relief.

Despite the alarming circumstances, operations at the Rome airport remained unaffected. Authorities worked efficiently to assess and manage the situation while prioritizing passenger safety. However, the emergency landing caused delays, requiring Flight 292 to remain grounded overnight. American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft would continue its journey to New Delhi the following day, as crew members needed to comply with mandatory rest regulations before resuming duty.

For those on the flight, the experience was unsettling, but it highlighted the importance of aviation security protocols. Airline officials and emergency responders acted swiftly to neutralize the situation, ensuring that safety remained the top priority.

While false alarms can cause distress, this event reinforced the rigorous mechanisms in place to handle potential threats. For passengers like Neeraj Chopra, the journey might have been delayed, but their safe arrival was ultimately what mattered most.