logo
American Airlines flight from NYC to India diverted over threat: Here's what we know

American Airlines flight from NYC to India diverted over threat: Here's what we know

Yahoo24-02-2025
An American Airlines Flight 292 traveling from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to New Delhi was diverted to Rome on Sunday due to a possible security threat, according to airline and Italian airport officials.
Officials at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport said they conducted security checks on the plane as well as the 199 passengers and 15 crew members of the flight following a request from the airline. The security threat was lifted shortly after 9:00 p.m. local time, according to the airport.
The flight was scheduled to remain in Rome overnight to allow for required crew rest, the airline confirmed to USA TODAY Sunday.
The airport said that those on the flight who are cleared to enter Europe have been taken to nearby hotels, while those who are not have been taken to designated airport lounges.
The flight was diverted due to a "suspected bomb threat," according to airline and Italian airport officials.
American Airlines in a statement to USA TODAY Sunday said that the issue was determined to be "non-credible," but Indira Gandhi International Airport protocol required an inspection.
Travel: How National Park Service layoffs could stretch some parks to their limits
The Associated Press reported that two fighter jets flew over the airport before the landing. The airport noted that law enforcement and fire personnel were on the tarmac after the plane landed, per protocol.
"Safety and security are our top priorities and we thank our customers for their understanding," American Airlines said in the statement.
According to data from FlightRadar24.com, the flight was en route to New Delhi as of Monday morning and is scheduled to arrive at 9:35 p.m. local time.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American Airlines flight diverted to Rome over threat: What to know
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

This Mexican beach town offers a laid-back vibe
This Mexican beach town offers a laid-back vibe

National Geographic

time13 minutes ago

  • National Geographic

This Mexican beach town offers a laid-back vibe

The Mexican Caribbean—the strip of the Yucatán Peninsula that borders the Caribbean Sea and includes resort towns like Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen—has seen a tourism boom in recent decades, welcoming some 20 million visitors annually. Meanwhile, a little over 100 miles south of Tulum, Bacalar offers an experience like that of the Mexican Caribbean during its early days. The laid-back, waterfront town founded in the 5th century features wellness experiences, historical sites, boutique hotels, and outdoor recreation, with its local flair still intact. Traveling to Bacalar, Mexico? Add a trip to the Kohunlich Ruins, a large archaeological site of the pre-Colombian Maya civilization, to your itinerary. Photograph by vale_t, Getty Images Top 5 attractions in Bacalar 1. The Ichkabal Ruins This ancient Mayan site, comprised of grand plazas and pyramids hidden in the jungle, opened to the public at the end of 2024. Since the ruins are about an hour away from Bacalar, the best way to get there is to book a tour from Bacalar or the nearby city of Chetumal. 2. The Kohunlich Ruins Within this 20-acre Mayan city outside Bacalar, howler monkey calls ring through the air. Its grand Temple of Masks is the most significant structure in the complex, thought to have been built in 500 C.E. Plan to spend about half a day in the area and book a tour from Bacalar or Chetumal. 3. Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar Italian architect Juan Podio designed this lagoon-front fort in 1733 to protect Bacalar from pirates. The structure was designated a National Historic Monument in 1975 and has been a museum since the 1980s. 4. Wellness experiences Bacalar is earning a reputation as a wellness destination, thanks to places like Our Habitas Bacalar, Kapok Bacalar, Mía Bacalar, and eco-resort Rancho Encantado. In these retreat centers rooted in Mayan tradition, you can try treatments that range from massages and ancient Mayan skin therapies to aromatherapy, cupping, and a traditional temazcal sweat lodge. 5. Wander the downtown Bacalar's downtown has a relaxed hippy vibe, much like that of Tulum a few decades ago. Wander its colorful streets lined with murals, sit in quaint cafes, visit local artisans' shops, and stop by the fort. The 30-room Hotel Quinta Las Flores is just one of many hotels where travelers can stay when visiting Bacalar. Photograph by Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Downtown Bacalar has a relaxed, hippy vibe with colorful streets lined with murals. Photograph by Chuck David, VWPics/Redux This Indigenous and Mayan-themed street art depicts a turtle with ruins rising on its back, located on a cinderblock wall in Bacalar, Mexico. Photograph by Chuck David, VWPics/Redux (7 of the best Maya ruins to visit in Mexico) Consider Bacalar as an alternative to Tulum and Cancún Bacalar is not located directly on the Caribbean but is home to a freshwater lake called the Bacalar Lagoon, or Lagoon of Seven Colors. Below the dazzling array of blues and greens at the lagoon's surface lie cauliflower-shaped stromatolites, three-billion-year-old microorganisms that store CO2. Unlike in overrun Mexican Caribbean towns that have been damaged by unfettered development, in Bacalar, the community has come together to protect its fragile resource that doubles as its greatest tourism attraction. Even so, development looms ever-closer, like the controversial Tren Maya that opened a station in Bacalar last year and has already dramatically altered the natural environment. Marco Jerico is a Cancún native who has been working with environmental organizations in Bacalar for the last decade. He founded Agua Clara Bacalar in 2016, an NGO dedicated to protecting the Bacalar Lagoon and sustainably managing tourism in the area, and currently serves as president of the Emerge Bakhalal Foundation, a social development and environmental organization in Bacalar. Jerico lists the decision to close the lagoon to recreation each Wednesday as one of the most important actions the community has taken, 'a day of respite' for the water and its fragile ecosystem. He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on tourism initiatives led by locals. Adrian Blanco is one of the cofounders of The Bacalar Collection, a group of local companies that have come together to sustainably manage tourism offerings in Bacalar—what Blanco calls a kind of neighborhood watch that creates social pressure to halt large-scale developments. 'As a group and as a community, we will do as much as it takes to make sure that we have the lagoon preserved for future generations,' Blanco says. Those seeking a wild spring break atmosphere may be disappointed by Bacalar. Jerico says, 'There are no parties or nightclubs here. In Bacalar, we have nature, culture, and a colony of the first living organisms that appeared on Earth.' Blanco has a similar take on how Bacalar stands apart from the rest of the Mexican Caribbean. 'Bacalar is focused on tourism with a lower impact,' he says. Cocalitos, also known as El Santuario de los Estromatolitos (The Sanctuary of the Stromatolites), is a natural spa in Bacalar. You can swim, relax on swings and hammocks in the water, and explore the cenote. Photograph by Gerard Puigmal, Getty Images Enjoying the Bacalar Lagoon as a responsible traveler The highlight of any stay in Bacalar is time on the lagoon. With calm, clear waters, it offers some of the safest and most ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and more. To protect the natural marvel, Jerico implores visitors to seek out experiences with a low environmental impact. That means skipping tours that use motorized boats. 'Sailing tours have a low impact and are the most beautiful way to explore the lagoon,' he says. Most tour companies also ask guests to follow guidelines for responsible recreation closely. Opt for a sun shirt and hat over sunscreen to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the water. Be mindful of waste, respect buoys that designate protected areas, avoid loud music that may scare off birds, and exercise caution when paddling or stepping so as not to avoid disturbing fragile underwater formations. Getting to Bacalar The most direct way to get to Balacar is on the new Tren Maya, which makes stops in Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Train tickets cost between $7 to $50 depending on the route. The environmental impact of the new railway continues to spark controversy, especially when it comes to the preservation of Mexico's International Airport is the nearest airport to Bacalar. After landing, you can take a 45-minute taxi ride to the town for approximately $20. If you choose to land at Cancún International Airport, plan for a six-hour bus ride to Balacar for about $40. Car rentals are also available at airports for travelers interested in making a road trip to the southeastern Mexico town. Where to stay and eat Thanks to Bacalar's dedication to sustainable tourism, you won't find massive hotels or all-inclusive resorts here. Instead, boutique hotels line much of the lagoon, and the hotels follow strict ecological standards. The stylish and adults-only Amainah Bacalar is located between two different cenotes and features private plunge pools in its suites. Another option is Casa Hormiga , just north of downtown, designed in harmony with nature and built with local materials. For those seeking a little bit more of the party atmosphere of Cancún or Tulum, there's El Búho Hotel and Beach Club . One of the best dining experiences in Bacalar is Nixtamal , where ingredients from the on-site garden take center stage. Dig into contemporary Mexican cuisine at lagoon-side Jaguara , stop by Latin fusion restaurant La Playita with its own beach club strung with hammocks, or head to Ixchel for breakfast. Zanny Merullo Steffgen is a Colorado-based freelance travel journalist whose work has appeared in Fodor's, Lonely Planet, OutThere, and other publications. Learn more and follow her work at

Alaska and Hawaiian revamp loyalty with free upgrades, new card
Alaska and Hawaiian revamp loyalty with free upgrades, new card

USA Today

timean hour ago

  • USA Today

Alaska and Hawaiian revamp loyalty with free upgrades, new card

As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines continue their integration, the company on Wednesday announced a new loyalty program called Atmos Rewards with a slate of updated benefits for members. Among the biggest updates of the combined loyalty program is that members will have a choice in how they earn status. There will also be changes to upgrade availability and new ways for all travelers to interact with the program. 'We wanted to democratize it,' Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances and Sales at Alaska Airlines, told USA TODAY in an interview. 'Other consumer programs are so much better at that, and we took inspiration from say, like a Sephora, that found ways to engage people who aren't their top spenders.' Existing Alaska Mileage Plan members were automatically enrolled in Atmos Rewards with their same account number. HawaiianMiles members will receive a new account number, and their existing Hawaiian Airlines loyalty account will be converted on Oct. 1 if they haven't already linked to a Mileage Plan account. Here's what Alaska and Hawaiian loyalists should expect from the new program. Choose how you earn status The most significant change for Atmos Rewards, and the biggest differentiator with other airline programs, is that travelers will have a choice in how they earn status. Atmos Rewards members will be able to choose whether they earn points towards status based on how much they spend, the distance they fly or the number of flights they take. Most other major airline loyalty programs use either an entirely spending-based system toward earning status, or a combination of spending and another metric. 'We wanted to find a way to reward people in the way they wanted to be rewarded," Catlin said. This earnings system will roll out in late 2026 and will use the following formula for each selection: Members will be able to update their earning mechanism preference once a year. New perks Top-level Titanium members in the Atmos Rewards program will be able to secure complimentary international business class upgrades on departure day without using an upgrade certificate. Most airlines require elite flyers to apply in advance for upgrades to business class on long-haul flights, and limit the number of such upgrades available to each member each year. As Alaska Airlines expands its international route network, this perk could be especially appealing. 'That's a powerful driver of program engagement," Catlin said, noting that free upgrades are frequently seen as the most important perk of airline loyalty programs. Even for non-elites, perks will be available just for participating. Atmost Rewards members will be able to take advantage of program "milestones" where they unlock perks starting at 10,000 status points, even before they achieve status, according to Alaska Airlines. The company did not specify in its press release what those perks would be. JetBlue has a similar model for earning perks before status in its TrueBlue program. Communities for all Atmos Rewards is also meant to provide new ways for travelers to engage with the airline, even if they're not road warriors. The airline will offer several free-to-join Communities as part of its new loyalty program, including existing groups for Alaska and Hawaii residents, as well as interest and lifestyle-based options like communities for family travel or one with a wellness focus. According to Catlin, communities are free to join and are meant to help even infrequent travelers feel like they're getting perks out of Atmos Rewards membership. 'With industry-first features like customizable ways to earn and unique benefits tailored to how people travel, we're giving our guests more control, more value and more reasons to engage," he said in a statement. A new credit card, too In addition to the new loyalty program, Alaska and Hawaiian are introducing a new premium credit card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card by Bank of America. The $395 annual fee comes with perks like lounge passes, automatic travel delay credits, free checked bags, priority boarding and more. 'The Atmos Rewards Summit card sets a new bar for what a premium travel card can be –globally connected, deeply rewarding and designed to elevate every step of the journey,' Catlin said in a statement. 'We crafted this card from the ground up to offer unique, industry-leading benefits with outsized rewards and experiential enhancements unmatched by any other airline card.'

Southern Living magazine names this Florida town as 'best coastal small town in the U.S.'
Southern Living magazine names this Florida town as 'best coastal small town in the U.S.'

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Southern Living magazine names this Florida town as 'best coastal small town in the U.S.'

Southern Living magazine reports that Stuart has the title of "Best Coastal Small Town In The U.S." Stuart is no stranger to recognition for its small-town charm. The Treasure Coast city has been recognized, and it was recently voted one of the best coastal small towns in USA Today's 2024 and 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. "The town is also home to several gorgeous natural preserves, a vibrant historic downtown with a shockingly robust art scene, and plenty of write-home-about dining and lodging options," Southern Living wrote. The magazine highlighted 18 things to do in Stuart; here are a few of them. Barhopping by boat: Dock, dine, drink at these waterfront restaurants; see map where to go Now open: Little Gem Cafe and coffee shop serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, salad, pastries What is Stuart, Florida, known for? Stuart is known as the sailfish capital of the world, but besides fishing on Florida's Atlantic coast, here's what Southern Living recommends doing: Check out the 22 miles of beaches in Martin County Visit the Elliot Museum Check out the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center Go to the Court House Cultural Center and Gallery See an original House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's trending reporter. You can contact her at 772-409-1429, or follow her on X @gonthescene. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida's best coastal small town by Southern Living magazine Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store