Fighter jets escort New Delhi-bound American Airlines flight; here's why

An American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi landed safely in Rome on Sunday evening following a "suspected bomb threat". The flight carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members was diverted to Rome following security concerns. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported a "security" issue following which fighter jets escorted the flight till its safe landing. Reportedly, the flight received a suspected 'bomb threat'. 

The Boeing 787-9 aircraft landed safely at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome around 5:30 pm local time. 

The American Airlines flight AA292 resumed only on Monday morning after inspection. 

The visuals of Italian Air Force jets accompanying the flight had surfaced on social media. 

After landing all passengers were loaded onto buses and taken to the terminal. Additional security screening took place of each and every personal item carried by each passenger. 

According to the airline, the possible issue was determined to be non-credible, but as per Delhi airport protocol, an inspection was required before landing in Delhi.

While apologising for the inconvenience caused to the passengers, the airline said the flight landed safely in Rome, and law enforcement authorities inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart.

While talking to the media, passengers said that an announcement was made by the pilot mid-air that they had turned around citing “security” reasons. “Passengers were left a bit stressed when fighter jets accompanied the plane...I felt panic of course,..there’s got to be something bigger going on here,” Neeraj Chopra, one of the passengers onboard told AP.