An airline passenger could end up paying approximately US$14,500 in fines, after he refused to wear a mask on a JetBlue flight destined for the Dominican Republic.

The fine is being proposed by the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to reports the man boarded the flight

at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport on December 23, however the

flight was forced to turn back after the man became boisterous and refused to

wear a mask.

It is alleged that the man, who brought his own

alcohol onto the flight, was drinking in the cabin.

Following complaints from flight attendants,

the captain declared an emergency and returned to JFK, where the man was

escorted off the plane by police.

The FAA notes that the man “crowded a

passenger in the next seat” as well as spoke loudly and ignored requests by the

cabin crew to wear his mask.

According to the FAA, the man, who was not

named, also refused to stop drinking alcohol that he brought on board, citing

that this violated federal regulations.