In brief
During a flight from Atlanta to Dallas, a laptop caught fire near the rear of the aircraft. Pilot radioed a cabin fire and crew worked to extinguish it before the plane landed. One passenger received medical treatment on the ground, then was released. Airlines and regulators highlight risks of lithium‑ion batteries, citing 58 incidents including 84 laptop b‑attacks in 20 years. The incident underscores growing concerns about portable chargers and laptop batteries on airlines.
American Airlines Flight 2398, bound from Atlanta to Dallas, saw a laptop on a cabin seat burst into flame near the rear of the aircraft. The pilot alerted ATC that a “cabin fire” had started and reported that flight attendants were attempting to quell it.
Security footage shows the device engulfed in smoke, prompting an immediate crew response. The crew managed to contain the blaze before the plane touched down at Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport. After landing, the aircraft taxied to a gate while emergency medical teams met the crew at the airport.
Only one passenger required medical treatment on site and was later released. Air travel authorities praised the crew for their swift actions, noting that the plane landed safely without further incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that lithium‑ion batteries carry an overheating risk if damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed. The agency documented 58 lithium‑battery incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat this year, with the most common cause being batteries in laptops.
Regulators further advise that lithium batteries should be stored only in carry‑on baggage, not in checked luggage. In May, an EasyJet flight from Egypt was diverted to Rome after a power bank was found charging in the hold, forcing a return the following day.
These incidents highlight the rising concerns around portable chargers and high‑capacity batteries. Casual and safety checks remain crucial to prevent similar events on future flights.
