A passenger received medical treatment after a laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight as it approached Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Friday.
Flight AA2398, an Airbus A321 (tail number N197UW) travelling from Atlanta, landed safely after smoke and fire were reported from a passenger’s device. Air traffic control recordings indicate that the pilots reported a cabin fire and initially said that several passengers might have suffered burns.
Cabin crew quickly contained the device before landing. The aircraft taxied normally to its gate, where it was met by emergency services. American Airlines subsequently confirmed that one passenger was treated at the airport and released.
The incident highlights the risks associated with lithium batteries, which can overheat if damaged, overcharged, exposed to water or improperly packed. The US Federal Aviation Administration has recorded 58 verified lithium-battery incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat so far in 2026.
US regulations require spare lithium batteries and power banks to be carried in the cabin rather than checked baggage, allowing crews to respond quickly if a device overheats.
This post was published on 22 August 2026 21:49
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