Southwest Airlines plane struck by ground vehicle at Memphis airport

A ground equipment vehicle crashed into a Southwest Airlines plane as passengers were boarding the plane on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Memphis International Airport in Tennessee, an airline spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Southwest said Flight 4013 was taken out of service following the contact. However, no injuries were reported.

“Southwest Flight 4013 was contacted by a ground equipment vehicle during boarding at Memphis International Airport today,” the airline said.

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The airport confirmed the incident in a statement to Fox News Digital, describing it as an isolated matter.

“The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority can confirm that an isolated incident occurred today at Memphis International Airport,” the airport said in a statement.

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FILE – An employee drives a truck with a luggage conveyor belt on the airport grounds. (aviation-images.com/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Passengers were put on an alternative flight to reach their destination. Southwest said.

A spokesperson said “the alternative aircraft will operate the Dallas route,” while the company’s website stated that Flight 4013 would continue service to Harry Reid International Airport in the Las Vegas area.

Passengers reportedly left nearly four hours behind schedule and the plane was scheduled to arrive around 17.30 instead of 13.50.

FILE – A Southwest Airlines jet was struck by a ground vehicle in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 21, 2026. (Getty Images)

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Southwest said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“The incident 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.”