SkyWest Flight Diverted Cedar Rapids After Passenger Attempts Exit Door Mid-Flight

A Delta Connection flight operated by SkyWest Airlines from Omaha to Detroit was diverted to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a passenger, identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight and became involved in a physical altercation with a flight attendant. Crew members and passengers intervened to prevent the door from being opened, and the plane landed safely, where law enforcement arrested the passenger. Nikprelaj faces multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, assault, unlawful possession of prescription medication, a tax stamp violation, and harassment. The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as a top priority. The incident caused a delay, with the flight arriving in Detroit three hours late. The event adds to a growing number of unruly passenger cases reported on U.S. flights in 2025, which can result in severe penalties such as jail time and travel restrictions.