Southwest Airlines Plane Hit by Gunfire at Dallas Love Field
A Southwest Airlines flight was struck by gunfire on Friday night while preparing for departure at Dallas Love Field, the airline confirmed. The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. as the aircraft was getting ready to depart for Indianapolis. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement saying the flight, which had 99 passengers on board, was hit by a bullet on the right side of the plane, just below the flight deck. The aircraft safely taxied back to the terminal, where passengers were deplaned and arrangements were made for them to continue their journey on another flight.
Law enforcement, including the Dallas Police Department, responded to the scene, and an investigation is currently underway. The airline confirmed the plane has been removed from service while authorities conduct their inquiry.
“Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 taxied safely back to the terminal at Dallas Love Field after a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “No injuries were reported, and we are working to accommodate customers on another flight.”
In an unrelated incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily banned U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days following a series of gunfire attacks targeting aircraft near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.
On Monday, a Spirit Airlines flight was struck by several bullets while attempting to land in Haiti, injuring a flight attendant and prompting the plane to divert to the Dominican Republic. In the following days, American Airlines and JetBlue flights were also hit by gunfire during departures from Port-au-Prince, with bullet damage discovered during post-flight inspections. The FAA cited rising safety concerns due to escalating violence in the region.
