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A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 preparing for takeoff from Dallas Love Field Airport was struck by a bullet. The incident occurred on Friday evening as Flight 2494 was set to depart for Indianapolis International Airport. The bullet hit the right side of the aircraft "just below the flight deck," according to a Southwest spokesperson who spoke with Reuters. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the bullet impacted an area "near the cockpit." As a result, the aircraft returned to the gate and was removed from service. The airport temporarily closed Runway 13R/31L but quickly reopened it, noting there was "minimal impact on operations."
Gunfire incidents involving commercial flights are rare in the United States but occur more frequently than in countries with stricter gun control laws. In some regions like Haiti and Papua New Guinea, such incidents are more common due to armed gangs.
