A Southwest Airlines plane was struck by gunfire while preparing for departure at Dallas Love Field Airport on November 15, 2024. The incident occurred around 9:50 p.m. as the aircraft, destined for Indianapolis, was taxiing on the tarmac. A bullet hit the right side of the plane near the cockpit, causing the flight to be grounded. Thankfully, no passengers or crew were injured during the event.
Upon discovering the damage, the plane returned to the gate, where passengers disembarked safely. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), alongside local police and airport security, immediately launched an investigation to determine the source of the gunfire. Currently, it remains unclear if the aircraft was deliberately targeted. As a precaution, one of the airport’s runways was briefly closed but later reopened.
Southwest Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing their commitment to safety and cooperation with law enforcement. The damaged aircraft was removed from service, and affected passengers were accommodated on alternate flights. The Dallas Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation.
This alarming incident underscores the critical importance of airport security, as authorities work to ensure such breaches are addressed comprehensively.
