A regional jet was forced to make an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Thursday evening due to an incident involving a passenger who attempted to open an emergency exit door and became involved in an altercation with a flight attendant. Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route from Omaha to Detroit when the disturbance occurred around 7 p.m. local time, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The pilot communicated with air traffic control, stating, “A passenger was in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit.” Fortunately, the passenger was unable to open the door, and the flight landed safely, proceeding to taxi to the gate upon arrival.
Video footage shared on social media depicted law enforcement escorting the passenger off the plane with their hands restrained behind their back. In response to the incident, SkyWest Airlines reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe environment, emphasizing that they have a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior. The safety of both customers and crew members remains the airline’s top priority.
As of this year, the FAA has recorded over 870 reports of unruly passengers on flights within the United States, highlighting an ongoing concern in aviation safety. Potential consequences for such behavior can include jail time, fines, and travel restrictions.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during air travel. It serves as a reminder to passengers about the serious implications of disruptive behavior on flights.