Dallas police are investigating a troubling incident in which a Southwest Airlines plane was struck by a bullet late Friday as it prepared for takeoff from Dallas Love Field Airport. According to the airline, the bullet struck the right side of the aircraft, just beneath the flight deck, as it was taxiing for departure to Indianapolis. The flight returned safely to the gate, and no injuries were reported.
"Southwest will accommodate our customers on another flight," the airline said. "Law enforcement authorities have been notified and the plane has been removed from service."
Authorities are working to determine the source of the gunfire and whether the aircraft was the intended target. No arrests had been announced as of early Saturday morning, and Dallas police, who responded to the scene around 9:48 p.m., confirmed that an investigation is underway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that the bullet caused damage "near the cockpit" of the Boeing 737-800. In a statement, Dallas Love Field Airport said, "Runway 13R/31L was briefly closed but has since reopened. No injuries were reported, and there was minimal impact on airport operations."
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over aviation safety, following similar events in recent months. In a separate incident on Friday, passengers on another Southwest flight in Denver were evacuated after a cell phone battery ignited and caused a fire in a seat. One passenger sustained minor injuries, and the individual whose phone caught fire received treatment for burns.
This latest incident at Dallas Love Field, a key hub for Southwest Airlines located six miles northwest of downtown Dallas, raises questions about security protocols and comes two years after a woman fired multiple gunshots at the airport, causing widespread panic.
Heightened Security and Operational Concerns
The FAA has recently increased scrutiny of airline safety practices, including an audit of Southwest Airlines following a series of incidents earlier this year. In July, the airline faced backlash over a near-miss at Tampa International Airport when a plane descended to within 150 feet of water during an approach. Such incidents have prompted federal oversight aimed at enhancing operational safety measures.
Dallas Love Field's status as a critical airport for Southwest has drawn heightened attention following Friday's gunfire incident. The airline confirmed that the affected plane's passengers would be rebooked on another flight.
In the broader context of aviation security, the incident mirrors recent international concerns. Regulators recently suspended flights to Haiti after three U.S.-based planes were hit by bullets over Port-au-Prince. While it is not immediately clear whether the Dallas incident was a targeted act, it highlights the evolving security challenges facing aviation authorities worldwide.
