Plus you have the tail winds in your favour once the aircraft turns around for the trip back to LHR. I suspect it probably wasn't very far out -- likely somewhere south of Iceland.

With an unpredictable amount of time in Bangor, it's also possible a crew could go illegal. Probably some other factors too - would BA be fined by the US Govt if this 'no fly list passenger' landed on US soil?

Regardless, it sounds like BA made a good move in returning to LHR. They could better look after their passenger at LHR opposed to Bangor, Maine, for an "unpredictable" amount of time.

I travel between the US & UK frequently and I have faith in the British Authorities. If this person was really wanted, the British authorities would of kept him -- or despite being released, they could be keeping a close eye on this individual.

Last but not least, why has the DHS been forcing aircraft down at the first point of US soil instead of letting them continue to their destination? These diversions are costly and unnecessary - unless someone is truly a danger. So far I haven't seen any. However, it seems Bangor, Maine, has been quite popular lately for some European flights. A Delta Air Lines flight to Atlanta from South/Latin America (not sure of origin) was put down at the Key West Naval Air station recently as well.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the "Cat Stevens" was a threat to the NE corridor line of B.S. Ironically "Cat Stevens" was deported from IAD and flew over the NE corridor on his way back to the UK. Apparently this BA pax wasn't a threat either, per the British Authorities -- so why land at Bangor? What's wrong with handling it at JFK?

At the rate we're going, perhaps the DHS should build a special international terminal at Bangor to handle these flights, allow all of the other pax to de-plane and be processed, and the various airlines could install a "shared" club/lounge for use each time there is a "diversion"?

Most importantly, how many miles did these BA pax get for their London Heathrow to London Heathrow service, with continuing service to NY JFK?

SDF_Traveler