An in-flight emergency occurred when a passenger's laptop ignited on an American Airlines plane. First responders treated one individual for injuries. BBC reported the incident.
The pilot informed the tower that "the flight attendants are trying to put it out now", based on recordings secured by CBS News. The broadcast captured the pilot detailing the situation further: "I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop. The laptop is contained about mid-aircraft."
Flight 2398 departed from Atlanta, Georgia, earlier on Friday. It completed its route by touching down at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. Authorities treated and released a single passenger at the scene, BBC reported. Company representatives issued a statement to BBC confirming a secure arrival "after reports of smoke from a customer's device during landing. We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device." The airliner moved along the tarmac to reach the terminal building. Emergency teams immediately approached the aircraft in accordance with standard safety protocols.
The FAA maintains strict oversight of lithium batteries, the power source for modern laptops. These components carry an inherent risk of thermal runaway. The regulatory body cautions that such batteries can fail "as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed." Smoke, extreme heat, and fire from lithium batteries have already prompted 58 verified aviation emergencies this year. Over the previous 20 years, battery packs caused the highest number of overall disruptions, BBC noted. Laptops specifically accounted for 84 distinct cases during that time span.
To mitigate these hazards, the US aviation regulator enforces strict packing regulations. Travelers must store all lithium batteries inside their hand luggage. A similar crisis unfolded in May aboard an EasyJet route from Egypt to the UK. A passenger left a power bank actively charging inside a suitcase stored in the belly of the plane. Flight crew executed an emergency diversion to Rome, forcing travelers to wait until the following day to finish their journey. The global frequency of severe in-flight disturbances caused by power banks continues to rise, BBC highlighted. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has launched an awareness push regarding the devices. The agency emphasized that portable chargers introduce "serious risks" of sudden fire and dangerous overheating.
