Bullet Holes Found on American Airlines Plane After Flight from Colombia

The aircraft was immediately removed from service for inspection and repair after the incident.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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An American Airlines plane that traveled from Medellín, Colombia, to Miami was found to have bullet holes on its exterior after landing. The airline said the puncture was discovered during a routine inspection and the plane was immediately taken out of service for further examination and repair. Colombian authorities are investigating the incident, which is believed to have occurred while the plane was landing in Medellín the previous day.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the security of commercial flights, especially those traveling between the United States and Colombia, a country that has struggled with drug cartel violence and other criminal activity. It also highlights the importance of thorough aircraft inspections to ensure passenger safety.

The details

According to the report, the American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane was found to have bullet holes on its wing assembly, specifically on the right aileron which is responsible for the aircraft's lateral balance. The airline said the puncture did not cause any issues with flying the plane, but it was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. Colombian authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on the possibility of a criminal group being behind the attack, though nothing is conclusive yet.

  • The plane traveled from Miami to Medellín on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The plane returned from Medellín to Miami on Monday, February 23, 2026, where the bullet holes were discovered during a routine inspection.

The players

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates flights between the United States and Colombia, among other destinations.

National Police of Colombia

The national law enforcement agency of Colombia, which is investigating the incident involving the American Airlines plane.

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What they’re saying

“The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”

— American Airlines (ABC News)

What’s next

The National Police of Colombia is continuing its investigation into the incident, focusing on the possibility of a criminal group being behind the attack on the American Airlines plane.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by commercial airlines, especially those operating in regions with a history of criminal activity. It underscores the importance of robust aircraft inspection protocols and close cooperation between airlines and law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.