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

August 22, 2026

A laptop caught fire aboard American Airlines Flight 2398 traveling from Atlanta to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, prompting the pilot to report a cabin fire to air traffic control. Flight attendants worked to contain the burning device, which was located in the middle of the aircraft and reportedly caused burns to several passengers. The plane landed safely in Dallas, where one passenger received on-site medical treatment before being released.

Who is affected

Four to five passengers who were reportedly burned by the laptop
One passenger who received medical attention at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 2398 from Atlanta to Dallas
Flight attendants who responded to contain the fire
The aircraft crew

What action is being taken

Flight attendants are working to contain the burning laptop
Emergency personnel are meeting the aircraft upon arrival at the gate
The FAA is recording and tracking lithium battery incidents on flights

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing safety risks posed by lithium batteries in electronic devices aboard aircraft, with the FAA documenting 58 verified incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from lithium batteries so far this year. The prevalence of such incidents—84 laptop-related cases over the past 20 years—demonstrates a persistent aviation safety concern that affects passengers and crew on commercial flights. Aviation regulators worldwide are increasingly concerned about portable chargers and electronic devices as they represent serious fire risks that can endanger aircraft and passengers during flight.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC