Passenger arrested for trying to open emergency exit on flight

On July 17, 2025, an incident occurred on a SkyWest Airlines flight, originally departing from Omaha, Nebraska, and destined for Detroit, Michigan. The flight faced a serious in-air disturbance caused by a passenger, later identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj from Nebraska. The incident unfolded while the flight was mid-air, prompting the crew to alert law enforcement. Upon the flight's diversion to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at approximately 6:13 p.m. local time, police were ready to meet the aircraft. They arrested Nikprelaj following reports that he had been involved in a physical altercation with a flight attendant and had attempted to open the emergency exit door.