NEED TO KNOW
- A 23-year-old man attempted to open an exit door on Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, on Thursday, July 17
- The flight towards Detroit was forced to divert to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after he allegedly got into an altercation with a flight attendant
- “SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority,” the airline said in a statement, per 7News WWNYTV
A flight from Omaha to Detroit was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger allegedly attempted to open an exit door in the aircraft.
On Thursday, July 17, Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was forced to divert to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, according to CNN. A passenger had allegedly gotten into an altercation with a flight attendant mid-air and attempted to open an emergency exit door.
After being escorted off the plane by police, the passenger was identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, 7News WWNYTV reported.
“On July 17, 2025, at approximately 6:13p.m., Cedar Rapids Police were dispatched to the Eastern Iowa Airport following an in-air disturbance by a single male passenger on a SkyWest flight from Omaha to Detroit,” Cedar Rapids Police Department said in a press release shared on Facebook.
“The flight diverted to Cedar Rapids where police officers met the flight and arrested the individual,” police said, before adding, “The passenger has been identified as Mario Nikprelaj, age 23, from Nebraska.”
Nikprelaj was taken to the Linn County Correctional Center and charged with disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription medication, tax stamp and harassment 1st degree.
“Further charges are possible pending further investigation,” the police added.
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According to 7News WWNYTV, the plane continued with its flight before 8:30 p.m. local time.
“SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority,” the airline said in a statement, per the outlet.
The plane finally landed at its destination in Detroit at 10:35 p.m., one hour and 37 minutes after the expected time, Flight Aware reported.
SkyWest Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Eastern Iowa Airport did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Friday, July 18.
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