Plane makes emergency landing when passenger fights with crew, attempts to open door

Air travel can be a nerve-wracking experience, even if everything goes well. This was definitely not the case with Delta Connection flight 3612, which was traveling from Omaha to Detroit while being operated by SkyWest Airlines.

Apparently, a passenger got into an altercation with a flight attendant. Although the exact details of the argument are unclear, the pilot’s response tells us everything we need to know.

The suspect was apprehended by law enforcement

The pilot radioed air traffic control to report that a passenger was “in a fight with a flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit.”

AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2asadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4asadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe

Obviously, this was a huge threat to the safety of every person aboard, so the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing.

The Cedar Rapids Police Department later identified the passenger as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj from Nebraska.

The arrest was caught on video

When the plane landed, it was boarded by local law enforcement officials who promptly took Nikprelaj into custody. The moment was caught on video by fellow passenger, J. Spencer, and posted to the platform, X, saying:

“Emergency Landing of @Delta Flight DL3612 from Omaha to Detroit. Safe travels out there folks! Got diverted to Cedar Rapids because this guy decided to try and open the exit row door, then fight the flight crew and other passengers.”

AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2osadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4osadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe

According to Spencer, Nikprelaj was disruptive as soon as he got on the plane. In a post, Spencer said, “He was seated in the emergency exit row and refused to follow basic safety protocols. He ignored the flight attendant’s basic instructions and got repeatedly aggressive.”

A first-hand description of the incident

In the replies, Spencer said Nikprelaj stood up and took off his seatbelt as they were on the runway. The situation escalated in the air with multiple passengers “yelling and hitting their call buttons” when the unruly passenger attempted to open the emergency door inside.

At this point, the pilot announced they’d be making an emergency landing. Nikprelaj didn’t take the news kindly. Spencer says he stood up and started making his way to the front of the plane. Spencer put his arm out to stop him and says Nikprelaj “slapped my arm, shoved me, and squared up to fight.” Fortunately, he was restrained by other passengers.

A plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to an unruly passenger

The flight attendants were “amazing under pressure,” according to Spencer.

The suspect had previous brushes with the law

This isn’t Nikprelaj’s first run-in with the law. Click On Detroit reports that he allegedly stole a snowplow while shirtless and barefoot after an argument with his then-girlfriend.

AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_3csadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_5csadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe

After Nikprelaj was removed from the plane, the flight proceeded to Detroit without incident.

In a statement, the airline said,

“SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority.”

Yahoo CreatorTamara GaneTamara Gane is based in Reno/Lake Tahoe. She takes dozens of trips a year and shares the best destinations, accommodations, experiences, and travel gear with her readers. FollowFollow