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American Airlines said it pulled the aircraft after finding a “puncture” in the exterior. A source confirmed to NBC News that it was a bullet hole.
American Airlines planes.Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file
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Feb. 25, 2026, 12:41 PM EST
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An American Airlines plane was removed from service over a “puncture” was found on the exterior while in Colombia on Sunday, the company said.
The puncture was a bullet hole, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NBC News.
According to a statement from American Airlines, the plane was undergoing a routine inspection in Medellín when the damage to the aircraft was found. There were no injuries or flight-related issues reported to the airline, it said.
“The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair,” the statement said. “We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident.”
Colombia’s Civil Aeronautical Authority said in statement Tuesday, translated by NBC News, that it was aware of reports of a plane found with perforations. The authority added that it was not contacted by the airline or any authorities in the United States on the matter.
“The Civil Aeronautics Authority remains attentive to any official communication from international agencies or the airline that may clarify the facts and determine the origin of the reported issues,” the statement said.
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Jay Blackman
Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.
Doha Madani
Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.
Erika Angulo contributed.
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