Unruly Passenger Causes Flight to Divert: Alexander MacDonald Fined over $20,000 for Flight Interference on United Airlines

Alexander MacDonald was recently ordered to pay over $20,000 in fines after causing a flight from London to Newark to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine. The 30-year-old passenger from England pleaded guilty to one count of flight interference related to an incident that occurred on March 1 while he was on board the plane.

According to an affidavit seen by Business Insider, MacDonald was arguing with his girlfriend when he was asked by the flight purser to lower his voice. He initially calmed down, but then began yelling at another crew member in the back galley of the plane. The situation escalated as MacDonald threatened to “mess up the plane” and became verbally and physically aggressive. Despite attempts by the flight crew and two passengers to restrain him, the captain decided to divert the plane with 160 passengers on board.

MacDonald’s actions resulted in his remandment to custody by a judge in the US District Court of Maine, as well as a payment of $20,738, with $20,638 of that being restitution to United Airlines. Incidents of unruly passenger behavior have been on the rise post-COVID disruptions. In 2021, there were twice as many incidents compared to 2020 and reports in 2022 are already 80% higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 598 incidents reported as of April 21. United Airlines declined comment on this incident involving MacDonald.