US turn back BA Mexico bound flight
16.02.10
A British Airways Mexico-bound flight was turned back to London on Friday on the orders of US authorities (it needed to fly through US airspace) because of what was called a ‘data discrepancy’ involving one passenger. However, the Metropolitan police say the man was not arrested, and the Department for Transport says the incident revealed no breach of security.
The airline said that Flight 243 to Mexico City was recalled as it passed over Ireland, and it returned to Heathrow airport after a US official spotted a ‘data discrepancy’ in relation to a male passenger. According to press reports it was was refused entry to American airspace because of ‘serious concerns’ about the 55 year old passenger.
The nature of the 'data discrepancy' was not revealed. The passenger, a US citizen travelling on a US passport, was escorted off the flight and his baggage was searched under a provision of the Terrorism Act once the plane had returned to Heathrow. BA said the Boeing 747, with 318 passengers and crew on-board, left later Friday after refueling.
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