The flight was travelling from Philadelphia, US, to Punta Cana, Dominion Republic, when the American man made the remark on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old reportedly sneezed and said: “I have Ebola, you are all screwed.”
There were 290 passengers on-board US Airways Flight 845, who were told to stay on the plane until was declared safe.
Some covered their faces while others filmed the officials checking the plane and posted it to YouTube.
Speaking to passengers, a cabin crew member said: “I think the man that has said this is an idiot.”
He went through a series of medical checks and interviews after being escorted from the aircraft, it is understood.
Airline staff said they were certain the man was joking, but did not want to take any risks and a full hazmat crew boarded the plane to take him off.
It comes after the White House agreed to step up medical screening for the deadly disease, while the UK government plans to introduce screening for some travellers at Heathrow and Gatwick.
The man had reportedly been sneezing and coughing throughout the flight, an early indication of the disease.
In a video uploaded to YouTube by a passenger people on the flight are seen standing up to get off, but are told to remain in their seats by the cabin crew.
A woman can be heard saying “I need your attention, it’s going to look worse than it is” before a officers clad in blue protective overalls get on the plane.
Alberto Smith, director of operations, told Acento.com.do: “It was a false alarm set off by the passenger who is slightly unbalanced.”
He said the passenger “did it for attention” and his passport does not show any recent trips to Africa. London Evening Standard
