A Delta Connection flight made an emergency landing on Thursday evening after a passenger attempted to open the plane’s emergency exit mid-air.
The regional jet, Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route from Omaha to Detroit.
Around 7 p.m. local time, chaos erupted onboard. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a male passenger became aggressive and tried to force open the emergency door while the plane cruised at altitude.
The pilot immediately radioed the control tower at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.
“A passenger is fighting with our flight attendant and trying to open the emergency exit,” the pilot said in a transmission captured by LiveATC.net.
The crew responded swiftly. They restrained the man before he could open the door. Thanks to their quick action, the plane landed safely in Cedar Rapids. It taxied to the gate without further incident.
Video footage shared on social media showed law enforcement escorting the suspect off the aircraft. Officers handcuffed him on the tarmac as shocked passengers watched.
Authorities identified the man as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj from Nebraska. He now faces five charges.
These include assaulting a flight attendant, disorderly conduct, and two drug-related offenses. Police found 41 pills of Alprazolam, a prescription sedative commonly known as Xanax, in his possession.
Nikprelaj appeared in court on Friday. A judge set his bond at $10,000. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
SkyWest Airlines issued a strong response.
“We have zero tolerance for unruly behavior. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the airline stated.
The FAA has reported over 870 incidents involving unruly passengers so far this year.
These events range from verbal threats to physical attacks on flight crews. The agency warns that such behavior could lead to hefty fines, jail time, and bans from future travel.
This latest incident adds to growing concern about passenger conduct on flights. Authorities continue to investigate what triggered Nikprelaj’s erratic behavior.