DALLAS- American Airlines (AA) Flight 2398, operating from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), declared an emergency after a passenger’s laptop caught fire inside the cabin during landing. The Airbus A321 landed safely, while flight attendants quickly contained the device.
The incident prompted an emergency response at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Initial reports indicated that up to five passengers may have suffered minor burn injuries, although only one passenger was treated by medical personnel after landing.
Emergency Landing After Passenger Laptop Ignites
The incident occurred on Friday evening aboard American Airlines (AA) Flight 2398, operated by an Airbus A321 carrying 133 people. As the aircraft approached Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the flight crew informed air traffic controllers that a passenger’s laptop had caught fire in the rear section of the cabin.
According to air traffic control communications, the pilots declared an emergency after receiving reports of a cabin fire caused by the electronic device. Flight attendants immediately responded and worked to contain the overheating laptop before the aircraft landed.
During the radio transmission, one of the pilots advised controllers that approximately four to five passengers seated near the device may have sustained burn injuries. The aircraft continued its approach and landed safely at DFW, where emergency personnel were waiting on the ground.
Despite the emergency, the Airbus A321 taxied to Terminal C under its own power after landing.
American Airlines Confirms Smoke From Customer Device
American Airlines confirmed that the emergency was linked to smoke coming from a customer’s electronic device during landing.
In a statement, the airline told Simple Flying:
American Airlines flight 2398 landed safely at DFW 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.”
American Airlines Spokesperson
The airline credited the cabin crew for following established safety procedures that prevented the situation from escalating into a more serious onboard emergency.
Ground medical teams evaluated passengers after arrival. While early communications suggested several people may have been burned, later reports indicated that one passenger required medical treatment after the aircraft reached the gate.
Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire
The fire was consistent with a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway event, a condition in which a battery overheats uncontrollably and ignites.
Thermal runaway can occur for several reasons, including:
- Physical damage to the battery
- Manufacturing defects
- Exposure to excessive heat
- Internal short circuits
- Water damage or improper handling
These events can produce intense heat, flames, smoke, and toxic gases within seconds, making rapid crew intervention critical.
Commercial aircraft are equipped with specialized fire containment equipment, including heat-resistant battery containment bags, allowing cabin crews to isolate overheating electronic devices until the aircraft lands safely.
FAA Continues Monitoring Battery Fire Incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to track lithium battery incidents aboard commercial aircraft.
According to FAA data, more than 90 thermal runaway events were reported during 2025, representing a slight increase compared with the previous year.
Portable battery packs remained the most common source of these incidents, followed by electronic cigarettes and mobile phones. Laptop-related fires were comparatively uncommon, accounting for only eight reported cases during the year.
Because of these risks, spare lithium batteries and power banks are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in cabin baggage. This allows flight crews to detect overheating devices quickly and respond before a fire spreads.
Many major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Southwest Airlines (WN), and United Airlines (UA), have strengthened policies surrounding portable charging devices in recent years, although laptops remain permitted in passenger cabins.
Recent Laptop Incidents Highlight Ongoing Risks
While laptop fires remain relatively rare, several recent incidents demonstrate the potential hazards associated with lithium-powered devices onboard aircraft.
In November, a United Airlines (UA) flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) diverted to Dublin Airport (DUB) after a passenger’s laptop slipped into the aircraft structure, leaving the crew unable to safely retrieve it due to concerns about battery damage.
Earlier, in July 2024, an American Airlines (AA) flight preparing to depart San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was evacuated after a laptop inside a passenger’s bag caught fire, resulting in injuries to three passengers.
Safety authorities continue to advise passengers to monitor personal electronic devices during flights and immediately alert cabin crew if a battery overheats, emits smoke, or shows signs of damage.
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