A Southwest Airlines aircraft was hit by a ground service vehicle while travelers were boarding on Sunday, the airline said.
The collision took place at Memphis International Airport in Tennessee, according to a Southwest spokesperson who spoke with News Agency.
Southwest said Flight 4013 was removed from service after the aircraft was struck. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The airline said the plane was contacted by a ground equipment vehicle during the boarding process at Memphis International Airport.
FILE – A Southwest Airlines aircraft is parked at a gate. (iStock)
Memphis International Airport also acknowledged the incident in a statement to News Agency, characterizing it as isolated.
The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority said it could confirm that a single incident occurred Sunday at the airport.
FILE – An airport worker operates a baggage conveyor-belt vehicle on the tarmac. (aviation-images.com/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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Passengers were directed to board an alternate aircraft to reach their destination, Southwest said.
While a spokesperson said the “alternate plane will operate the route to Dallas,” the company’s website listed Flight 4013 as resuming service to Harry Reid International Airport in the Las Vegas area.
Passengers reportedly departed nearly four hours behind schedule, and the flight was scheduled to arrive around 5:30 p.m. instead of 1:50 p.m.
FILE – A Southwest Airlines jet was struck by a ground vehicle on June 21, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Getty Images)
Southwest said an investigation of the incident is underway.
“The event will be investigated through our comprehensive Safety Management System,” the airline said.
“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of its Customers and Employees.”
