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12h ago

Passenger’s Attempt to Open Emergency Exit Forces SkyWest Flight to Divert

A judge set his bond at $10,000 following charges ranging from assaulting crew to unlawful prescription drug possession.

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SkyWest Flight Diverted

Overview

  • On July 17, a passenger aboard Delta Connection Flight 3612 allegedly fought with a flight attendant and tried to open an emergency exit midair.
  • Pilots diverted the Omaha-to-Detroit regional jet to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, where local officers arrested 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj.
  • Nikprelaj faces five counts including first-degree harassment, assault on a crew member, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of prescription medication and a tax stamp violation.
  • He appeared in Linn County court Friday, was released on a $10,000 bond and could face additional charges pending the ongoing investigation.
  • SkyWest reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy and the FAA is reviewing the incident within the context of over 870 unruly passenger reports this year.