13/01/2005

British Airways jet refused entry to US

US transport authorities yesterday ordered a New York-bound British Airways jumbo jet to turn around and return to Heathrow, claiming that one passenger's name was on a terrorism 'watch list.'

The man, believed to be travelling on a French passport, was one of 239 passengers on the transatlantic Boeing 747. US authorities said his name matched that of a member of Moroccan terrorist group, banned from the US.

The man left the plane upon arrival in London, where he was questioned and then released by police.

The plane restarted its journey at around 8pm last night, some nine hours after its original departure.

(GB)

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