The Federal Aviation Administration FAA confirmed that the unexpected diversion was due to a reported 'security issue'. While a security concern was mentioned, the FAA did not disclose the exact reason behind the issue, saying that the diversion was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of everyone aboard the aircraft.
However, Reuters cited sources to report that the flight was diverted due to an alleged bomb threat. Visuals of the American Airlines flight, with passengers and 15 crew members on board, being escorted by the Italian Air Force fighter jets surfaced on social media.
The Italian Air Force also apparently posted on X , saying that two Eurofighters of the "Aeronautic Militare" took off on alert to identify and escort a commercial aircraft headed to Delhi, "which had reversed course towards Fiumicino airport RM due to a report of a presumed explosive device on board". Later, the American Airlines also issued a statement in this regard and said that the flight was just two hours away from its destination when an abrupt U-turn was made over the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan due to a "possible security issue".
The airline further said, "Safety and security are our top priorities and we thank our customers for their understanding. After landing in Rome, passengers were taken to the terminal for screening, with the aircraft scheduled to undergo a thorough inspection.
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