A Southwest Airlines flight was struck by gunfire at Dallas Love Field airport on Friday night while preparing for takeoff, the airline confirmed on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred around 9:48 p.m., caused no injuries to the 99 passengers and crew on board, but has raised serious concerns about safety at the airport.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson reported that Flight 2494, set to depart for Indianapolis, was hit by a bullet on the right side of the aircraft, just below the flight deck.
The plane had been taxiing toward the runway when the incident took place.
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“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 while the crew was preparing for departure,” the airline said in a statement. “No injuries were reported. Southwest will accommodate our customers on another flight. Law enforcement authorities have been notified, and the plane has been removed from service.”
The Dallas Police Department quickly responded to the scene, launching an investigation into the shooting. Authorities have not released further details on the source of the gunfire or any potential suspects.
WFAA, citing police sources, reported that the flight, with 99 people aboard, had not yet taken off when the bullet struck the plane. Southwest Airlines confirmed that the plane was safely returned to the gate, and no other incidents were reported on the ground.
The shooting comes amid heightened concerns over aviation safety, following a string of similar incidents involving gunfire near airports. The FAA recently imposed a 30-day ban on U.S. airlines flying to Haiti after several planes were targeted by gunfire near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, with at least one flight sustaining damage earlier this week.
The Dallas Police Department is continuing its investigation into the Love Field incident, though no further details have been made public as of this report. Southwest Airlines has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement officials.
