Nebraska Passenger Fights Crew, Tries Emergency Door Midair

A SkyWest Airlines flight from Omaha to Detroit was forced to make an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a 23-year-old passenger, Mario Nikprelaj, allegedly fought with a flight attendant and attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight. The pilot reported the disruptive behavior to air traffic controllers, stating the passenger was trying to open the emergency exit while engaged in a physical altercation with crew members. Upon landing, Nikprelaj was arrested and charged with interference with flight crew, assault, harassment, and possession of over 40 alprazolam (Xanax) pills without a drug tax stamp. Witnesses described Nikprelaj as removing his shirt and shoes and attempting to enter the cockpit, shoving passengers who tried to stop him. SkyWest Airlines emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. This incident contributes to the ongoing rise in reports of unruly passengers in 2024, with over 2,100 incidents recorded so far this year.