Italian jets intercept, escort Delhi-bound US flight to Rome after bomb threat (WATCH)

A New York to Delhi American Airlines Dreamliner aircraft was diverted and forced to land in Rome on Sunday, accompanied by fighter aircraft, following a bomb threat alert.

Footage captured by an Italian Air Force Eurofighter showed the interception and escort of American Airlines #AA292 to Rome-Fiumicino after an emergency diversion prompted by security concerns.

American Airlines flight AA 292, operating nonstop from New York to Delhi, was diverted to Rome on Sunday evening (IST) due to a bomb threat. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from JFK airport on Saturday, February 22, at 8.14 pm and was over the Caspian Sea when it turned back toward Europe.

Although the threat was deemed "noncredible," Delhi Airport's protocol required the aircraft to be inspected elsewhere before being cleared to land.

In a statement, American Airlines said, “American Airlines flight 292, with service from New York (JFK) to Delhi (DEL), diverted to Rome (FCO) due to a possible security concern. The flight landed safely at FCO, and law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart. Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologise to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Last year, several flights within to and from India were targeted by hoax threat messages and calls. Some flights from India receiving such threats were escorted by fighter jets while landing at international airports.