News

Nebraska man arrested after a Delta flight connection makes emergency landing in Iowa

OMAHA, Neb. — Cedar Rapids Police confirmed a Nebraska man was arrested after a flight from Omaha made an emergency landing in Iowa Thursday night. Authorities say that at around 6:13p.m., Cedar Rapids Police were dispatched to the Eastern Iowa Airport following an in-air disturbance by a single male passenger on a SkyWest flight (#3612) from Omaha to Detroit.

The flight left Omaha at around 5:25-p.m. CNN reports that a passenger tried to open an emergency exit door and got into a fight with a flight attendant. The flight diverted to Cedar Rapids where it landed safely and was met by police officers, who took the passenger into custody. (Video posted below is from a passenger, Jonathan Spencer Van der Waarden, who posted the arrest on X)

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.#Delta #Fight pic.twitter.com/vK3SiPaT5x

— J.S.V. (@jspencervan) July 17, 2025

The passenger has been identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, from Nebraska City, NE. He was transported to the Linn County Correctional Center and held on charges that include:

– Disorderly Conduct

– Assault

– Possession of Prescription Medication

– Tax Stamp

– Harassment 1st Degree

Further charges are possible pending further investigation. The airline said “SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority.”