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Mid-Atlantic terror scare forces BA jet to return to Heathrow
A British Airways jet was forced to return to Heathrow after a major terror scare mid-way across the Atlantic, it was revealed today. The Boeing 747 jumbo jet was heading towards Mexico when U.S authorities barred it from American airspace because of 'serious concerns' about a 55-year-old male passenger.The authorities noticed a 'data discrepancy' with the U.S. citizen more than two hours into Friday's flight which was when Flight 243, carrying 318 passengers, was ordered back to the UK. The man was escorted off the plane at Heathrow and searched under the Terrorism Act. He was then handed to immigration officers but it is not known if he was released. A BA spokesman said: 'The BA243 Heathrow to Mexico City flight returned to Heathrow on Friday afternoon due to a data discrepancy with a US citizen. The aircraft returned to Heathrow and a passenger was asked to leave the aircraft, which he duly did and collected his bags. 'We apologise to the 317 other passengers onboard the Boeing 747 for the inconvenience caused. 'The aircraft had more fuel loaded at Heathrow and took off for Mexico again on Friday evening as normal without any further issues.' A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'There has been no breach of security at Heathrow as a result of this incident.' Scotland Yard said the man had not been arrested. The mid-air drama follows the arrest of London-educated Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, who is accused of trying to blow up a plane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day. He managed to gain access to the jet despite having explosives sewn into his clothing. The foiled attack was followed by a global security crackdown including the introduction of controversial full body x-ray machines at airports. Posted by: Fred 2010-02-16 |
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