Passengers on a domestic Delta Air Lines flight experienced a harrowing landing when a man aboard the plane began to act erratically, even trying to pry open a door.
On the evening of Thursday, July 17, Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, made an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a passenger attempted to open an emergency exit door and assaulted a flight attendant.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. local time during a flight from Omaha to Detroit, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The pilot reported the disturbance to the tower at Eastern Iowa Airport, stating a passenger was fighting with a flight attendant and trying to access the emergency exit, per a LiveATC.net recording.
Video footage shared on social media showed police escorting a man off the plane in restraints.
Mario Nikprelaj, 23, from Nebraska, faces five charges, including threatening and shoving a flight attendant, disorderly conduct, and two drug-related charges for possessing 41 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills.
Here’s what Delta will kick you off the plane for.
He appeared in court Friday, with bond set at $10,000. It’s unclear if he has legal representation.
SkyWest Airlines emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
How Many Emergency Landings Have There Been This Year?
Based on available data up to July 18, 2025, at least 20 emergency landings involving U.S. airlines have been reported in 2025. This number is derived from specific incidents documented across various sources, including news reports and aviation safety databases. Below is a summary of several of the incidents identified:
- January 18, 2025: United Airlines flight (details unspecified) made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
- January 25, 2025: Another United Airlines flight (details unspecified) made an emergency landing at Newark.
- January 29, 2025: American Airlines Flight 1847 from San Juan to Dallas returned to San Juan due to a passenger-related security concern (perceived threat from a phone screen).
- February 25, 2025: United Airlines Flight 1544 returned to Newark Liberty International Airport due to possible engine issues.
- March 1, 2025: FedEx Flight 3609, a Boeing 767, returned to Newark after a bird strike caused an engine fire.
- March 2, 2025: Delta Air Lines flight (unspecified) returned to Atlanta after reports of possible smoke in the flight deck.
- March 2, 2025: SkyWest Flight 5690 (operating as United Express) made an emergency landing in Waco, Texas, due to severe turbulence, injuring five passengers.
- April 2, 2025: Alaska Airlines Flight 757 returned to Portland International Airport after reports of fumes in the flight deck.
- April 14, 2025: Delta Air Lines Flight 937 returned to Tucson International Airport due to an engine issue.
- April 15, 2025: SkyWest Airlines Flight 4980 diverted to Colorado Springs Airport due to a passenger medical emergency.
- April 15, 2025: American Airlines Flight 2746 returned to Los Angeles International Airport due to an engine issue.
Final Word
Delta is one of the best airlines there is. Emergency landings and other aviation mishaps are on the ride for numerous reasons.
For example, the many reasons for emergency landings include mechanical issues (e.g., engine problems, cabin pressurization), bird/wildlife strikes, medical emergencies, security concerns, and turbulence-related injuries.
