American Airlines Flight from JFK Diverts, Escorted to Rome by Fighters After Bomb Threat on Board
March 23, 2025
ROME — Panic erupted on American Airlines Flight 482 from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Tel Aviv early Sunday morning after a mid-flight bomb threat forced an emergency diversion to Rome. The aircraft, a Boeing 777 carrying 267 passengers and 14 crew members, was escorted into Italian airspace by two Eurofighter Typhoon jets after the airline received an anonymous warning about an explosive device on board.
A Routine Flight Turns into a Nightmare
Flight 482 departed JFK at 9:45 p.m. EST on Saturday, expecting a smooth transatlantic journey. Initial reports suggest that around three hours into the flight, American Airlines’ corporate headquarters in Dallas received a call from an unidentified individual claiming that a bomb had been placed inside the aircraft’s cargo hold. The threat was immediately relayed to the pilots, Captain Richard Lawson and First Officer Amanda Greene, who swiftly informed air traffic control.
Passengers remained unaware of the developing crisis at first, as the crew quietly began implementing emergency protocols. In the cockpit, the pilots contacted European air traffic controllers and were instructed to reroute to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome, the nearest major hub with adequate security measures to handle a bomb threat.
As the aircraft neared European airspace, the Italian Air Force scrambled two fighter jets to escort the plane safely to Rome.
Passengers Realize Something Is Wrong
Despite initial secrecy, anxiety spread through the cabin when passengers noticed the aircraft changing course. The in-flight entertainment systems suddenly stopped displaying the flight map, and a tense atmosphere developed among the crew. Some passengers overheard flight attendants speaking in hushed tones near the galley.
“There was this uneasy silence all of a sudden,” said Adam Silverstein, a passenger traveling to Israel for a business conference. “The attendants were clearly nervous, but no one was telling us anything.”
An official announcement from Captain Lawson came 20 minutes later. “Ladies and gentlemen, due to an unexpected security situation, we are diverting to Rome. Please remain seated, and we will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Gasps and murmurs spread throughout the cabin as confusion turned to fear.
Fighter Jets Appear Beside the Aircraft
As Flight 482 approached Italian airspace, passengers spotted two military aircraft flanking their Boeing 777. The sight of fighter jets intensified the fear on board.
“I was looking out the window, and suddenly I saw a jet flying right alongside us,” said Rachel Cohen, a student traveling to Tel Aviv. “That’s when I knew something was really wrong. People started crying, some were praying. It was terrifying.”
Inside the cockpit, Captain Lawson maintained radio contact with Italian authorities, following strict security protocols. The fighter pilots maintained a defensive formation, prepared to take action if the situation escalated.
Emergency Landing in Rome
Upon reaching Rome, Flight 482 was directed to a remote section of the airport, far from other commercial flights. Italian security forces, including bomb disposal teams and counterterrorism units, were already waiting on the tarmac. The aircraft was met by police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances as soon as it landed.
Passengers were instructed to leave all personal belongings behind as they were evacuated from the aircraft. Teams of security personnel quickly searched the plane for any sign of explosives while passengers were taken to a secure terminal for questioning.
The Aftermath and Investigation
After several hours of intense searching, Italian authorities confirmed that no bomb was found on board. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax, though investigators are treating it as an act of terrorism.
“This was a serious security breach,” said Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Corsini. “We are working closely with American authorities to identify the individual responsible for this threat and determine whether it was an isolated incident or part of a larger plot.”
American Airlines issued a statement thanking the passengers for their patience and the Italian government for their swift response.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation,” the airline’s spokesperson said.
Who Made the Threat?
Authorities in both the United States and Italy are now working to trace the origin of the threatening phone call. FBI and Interpol agents are examining airport security footage, phone records, and any potential links to known extremist groups. Some experts believe the threat may have been made as part of a cyber attack aimed at disrupting international flights.
“The fact that the call was made to the airline rather than air traffic control suggests the perpetrator had inside knowledge of how airlines respond to threats,” said aviation security analyst Mark Renshaw. “This could have been an attempt to cause panic and disrupt global travel.”
Passengers Stranded, But Relieved
While relieved that the bomb threat was false, passengers now face significant travel disruptions. American Airlines is working to rebook them on alternate flights to Tel Aviv, but security screenings are causing delays.
“I’m grateful we’re safe, but this was the scariest experience of my life,” said Deborah Klein, a passenger from New York. “I just want to get home.”
For now, Flight 482 remains grounded as forensic teams examine the aircraft. Whether the hoax was the work of a lone prankster or part of a larger scheme remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the fear it instilled will not be forgotten by those on board.