Laptop catches fire on US flight, with passenger treated at airport

During a flight from Atlanta to Dallas, American Airlines Flight 2398 experienced a cabin fire caused by a laptop. The pilot reported the incident to air traffic control and stated that flight attendants were trying to extinguish the blaze while the aircraft was still airborne.

Investigators estimate that four to five passengers sustained burns from the laptop fire, although the aircraft remained in service. The flight landed safely at Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport, where emergency personnel attended to the injured passenger.

American Airlines confirmed that the plane was relieved of any additional fire hazards upon arrival and thanked crew members for their swift actions. The aircraft then proceeded to taxi to its gate under the watch of emergency staff.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cautions against the use of damaged or overheated lithium‑ion batteries. FAA records indicate 58 verified incidents involving lithium batteries aboard aircraft this year, including 84 cases linked to laptops over the past 20 years. The regulator advises restricting such batteries to carry‑on baggage only.

Internationally, the Civil Aviation Authority highlighted a recent incident involving a power bank on a UK-bound flight that forced a diversion to Rome due to a hazardous battery charging in the hold. The authority urges increased awareness of the significant fire risk posed by portable chargers on planes worldwide.