I do not wish to defend BA at all as I feel they have treated passengers badly here, and frankly I am not at all surprised. Arriving anywhere at 03:45 and suddenly requiring hotel rooms is difficult but we do also know BA gives up very easily.

However, operations staff will have been concerned for where they could land the aircraft as safely as possible with the highest chances of a speedy return to service. JFK is probably a very good choice for that as well as not too much of a deviation from the planned flight path and with frequent alternative connections to London. I am certain they did not for one second consider the hotel situation or any local events.