Bangor, Maine – An unruly passenger on a United Airlines flight has been ordered to pay over $20,000 in restitution after his disruptive behavior forced the pilot to divert the plane to Maine. Alexander Michael Dominic MacDonald, from England, was sentenced to time served and will be deported back to the UK by US Immigration officers after the March 1 incident.
According to court documents, MacDonald threatened to “mess up the plane” while onboard the Newark-bound flight from London’s Heathrow Airport. The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to interfering with flight crew members and was described as “physically aggressive” by witness accounts.
Despite initial compliance when asked to quiet down by the flight attendant, MacDonald quickly became agitated again, engaging in a heated argument with his girlfriend on the flight. This behavior escalated to the point where he threatened and physically cornered a flight attendant, prompting the decision to land the plane in Bangor for the safety of everyone onboard.
After landing in Bangor, MacDonald and his girlfriend were escorted off the plane by law enforcement. Videos shared on social media depicted MacDonald being led away with his hands and ankles restrained, as other passengers cheered the removal of the disruptive passenger.
Reports of unruly passengers have spiked in recent years, particularly in 2021 following the relaxation of pandemic travel restrictions. While the numbers have decreased since then, incidents of disruptive behavior onboard flights remain a concern for airlines and authorities.
In response to the incident, United Airlines sought restitution from MacDonald for the costs incurred due to the diverted flight. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of disruptive conduct on aircraft and the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers and crew members.