Mexico-bound BA flight turned back to London on Friday due to passenger ‘data discrepancy’

Passenger data prompts plane’s return Friday to UK

LONDON — British Airways says a Mexico-bound flight was turned back to London on Friday because of what was called a “data discrepancy” involving one passenger. Metropolitan police say the man was not arrested, and the Department for Transport says the incident revealed no breach of security.

The passenger, a U.S. citizen, was escorted off the flight and his baggage was searched under a provision of Britain’s Terrorism Act.

The airline said Monday that Flight 243 to Mexico City was recalled as it passed over Ireland, and it returned to Heathrow airport. BA said the flight, with 317 passengers, left later Friday after refueling.

The nature of the data discrepancy was not revealed.