NEWARK, NJ – On a United Airlines flight bound for Newark, New Jersey, a disruptive passenger from England caused chaos, resulting in a hefty restitution order. Alexander Michael Dominic MacDonald, 30, was ordered to pay over $20,000 to United Airlines after his unruly behavior forced the pilot to divert the plane to Bangor, Maine. The incident occurred on March 1, prompting a federal judge to issue the restitution ruling against MacDonald.
MacDonald, who was in custody since the incident, was also sentenced to time served and will be transferred back to the UK by US Immigration officers. The disruptive behavior began when MacDonald started arguing loudly with his girlfriend on United Flight 883 from London’s Heathrow Airport. Despite initially complying with a flight attendant’s request to lower his voice, MacDonald soon resumed his disruptive behavior, escalating to the point where he physically threatened and intimidated the crew.
The situation on the flight became tense as MacDonald became verbally and physically aggressive towards the flight attendants, prompting the head flight attendant to intervene. Despite attempts to calm him down, MacDonald’s behavior only worsened, leading to concerns for the safety of the crew and passengers. Eventually, the decision was made to land the plane in Bangor, Maine, where MacDonald and his girlfriend were removed by law enforcement.
Reports of disruptive passengers have been on the rise, with nearly 6,000 incidents reported in 2021 after travel restrictions were lifted due to the pandemic. While the numbers have decreased since then, they still remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, there have been 649 reported incidents so far, highlighting the ongoing challenges that airlines face in dealing with unruly passengers.
The incident involving MacDonald serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining order and safety on flights, with consequences for those who disrupt the peace. Airlines and law enforcement continue to work together to address such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board.
