Airline Passenger Attacked Flight Attendant, Tried to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight

The recent incident involving a passenger aboard a SkyWest Airlines flight highlights significant concerns regarding airline safety and the management of unruly behavior in aviation settings. On July 18, 2025, a 23-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit door mid-flight while also engaging in physical altercations with a flight attendant. This alarming event necessitated an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, shortly after takeoff from Omaha. The swift response from airline staff and law enforcement underscores the importance of maintaining order during flights to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.

The man, Mario Nikprelaj of Elkhorn, Neb., was arrested by the police in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after the plane touched down at Eastern Iowa Airport, the authorities said. He was charged with several crimes, including assault and disorderly conduct.

Flight 3612, which was being operated by SkyWest Airlines, an independent carrier that runs regional jets for Delta Air Lines as Delta Connection, had 67 passengers and 4 crew members on board, SkyWest Airlines said.

The disturbance happened shortly after the SkyWest flight departed from Omaha, Neb., around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to police. The flight was diverted to and landed safely at the Cedar Rapids airport, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Once on the ground, local police boarded and arrested the 23-year-old Omaha man, Cedar Rapids police said.

The flight was able to travel on to Detroit later Thursday night, according to a statement issued by SkyWest Airlines, a Utah-based regional carrier that operates flights for major airlines like United, Delta, American and Alaska Airlines.

After the man was escorted to a seat in the middle of the aircraft, he allegedly once again tried to open a different emergency exit door and was then restrained by the plane’s crew. During the interaction, the man allegedly assaulted one of the plane’s employees.

“The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member,” police said.

Shadi Taiseer Alsaaydeh, 46, from Jordan, was charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting cabin crew. He was arrested by police when the flight landed at Sydney International Airport.

SkyWest Airlines has publicly stated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding unruly behavior among passengers. Such policies are crucial for deterring disruptive actions that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of individuals on board. In this case, the prompt intervention by the flight crew likely prevented what could have escalated into a more dangerous situation. The arrested individual faces multiple charges including disorderly conduct and assault, reflecting the serious legal ramifications associated with such behavior aboard commercial flights .

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges airlines face in ensuring passenger compliance with safety regulations. As air travel continues to recover post-pandemic, it is imperative for airlines to reinforce their protocols surrounding passenger conduct while also educating travelers about acceptable behavior during flights. The effectiveness of these measures can significantly impact overall aviation security and passenger experience.

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Sara H

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