Bomb Threat Forces Flight From JFK Airport To Land In Rome: Reports

NEW YORK — An American Airlines flight from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome because of a bomb threat Sunday, according to reports.

Flight 292 landed safely around 5:30 p.m. local time at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport after the crew reported a security issue, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Neeraj Chopra, one of the passengers on board, said the captain announced that the plane had to turn around about three hours before it was supposed to land in New Delhi because of a change in "security status."

NBC News reported the cause was a bomb threat, citing an unnamed source familiar with the situation. The threat was sent via email, according to NBC News’ source.

An Associated Press reporter filmed two fighter jets flying over the Rome airport shortly before the unscheduled landing. Fire trucks were visible on the landing strip on one side of the plane after it landed.

American Airlines said Flight 292 "was inspected by law enforcement" after landing in Rome and "cleared to re-depart.” The airline didn't clarify the cause of the security concern but said it proved to be "non-credible" and an inspection was required by protocol before the flight could land in New Delhi.

"The flight will stay in Rome overnight to allow for required crew rest before continuing to Delhi as soon as possible tomorrow," the airline said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.