Nebraska Man Arrested After Omaha-Detroit Flight Diverted Over Passenger Disturbance

A SkyWest flight traveling from Omaha, Nebraska, to Detroit Metro Airport was diverted to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a passenger, 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, caused an in-flight disturbance by attempting to open the emergency exit door and engaging in a physical altercation with crew members. Upon landing, Nikprelaj was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription medication, tax stamp, and first-degree harassment, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues. The flight, carrying 67 passengers and four crew members, was delayed by about three hours but eventually reached its destination. Authorities emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The incident adds to nearly 900 reports of unruly passenger behavior on flights so far this year, according to the FAA. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement reviews the events.