An American Airlines flight traveling from Miami, Florida, to Medellín, Colombia, landed with bullet holes after a weekend incident that has raised concerns about safety in the region. Ground crew safety inspectors discovered a puncture in the aircraft upon its arrival on U.S. soil on February 25, 2026. No injuries were reported on the flight, which raised alarms due to the plane’s origins in a country plagued by cartel violence.
The airline confirmed that the puncture penetrated the right-hand aileron, a critical component attached to the trailing edge of the wings that aids in controlling the aircraft during flight. According to records reviewed by CBS News, the damage was identified by ground personnel after the plane landed safely. Despite the concerning discovery, American Airlines stated that there were no flight-related issues and all passengers remained unharmed.
Investigation Underway
Colombian authorities are now investigating the incident, focusing their efforts on an unidentified criminal organization that they suspect may have caused the damage. This development comes on the heels of escalating cartel violence, particularly following the recent death of notorious drug lord El Mencho, which has heightened tensions in the region.
American Airlines has since removed the aircraft from service and dispatched it to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, for repairs. The carrier emphasized in a statement that the safety of its passengers and crew is a top priority and that the incident will be thoroughly investigated.
Local safety inspectors in Colombia have also been alerted to the situation, and authorities continue to collect evidence as they work to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the damage. Although there were no injuries reported, the incident highlights ongoing security concerns for airlines operating in and out of cartel-affected regions.
As the investigation unfolds, American Airlines and local authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard future flights.