A 62-year-old passenger has been fined after directing racist abuse at Muslim passengers during a flight from Zambia to London.
Anogola Siyolwe, who lives in Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle, became intoxicated after drinking whisky during the Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 10, 2025, Newcastle Magistrates’ Court heard.
Prosecutors said he repeatedly shouted racist comments, particularly towards a Muslim woman wearing a hijab who was sitting in front of him.
He was heard saying “I hate Muslims” and “Everywhere Muslims go, they cause problems”, despite warnings from cabin crew to lower his voice and stop upsetting other passengers.
The pilot also ordered Siyolwe to sit down and be quiet, but the court heard he refused to comply.
Siyolwe pleaded guilty to a public order offence, being drunk on an aircraft and failing to obey a lawful command from the pilot.
He was fined £320 and ordered to pay the woman £100 compensation, alongside court costs and a victim surcharge.
His solicitor said he was ashamed of his behaviour and had been under stress.
