A flight operated by American Airlines made a secure landing in Dallas after an unexpected incident where a laptop battery ignited inflight. This prompted swift action from flight attendants and a swift response from emergency teams upon the aircraft’s arrival, as shared by officials with News Media.
The drama unfolded on American Airlines Flight 2398. The aircraft was nearing Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Friday, originally departing from Atlanta, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received reports of the alarming laptop battery fire from the crew.
Quick-thinking flight attendants managed to extinguish the flames using a thermal containment bag, detailed the FAA.
Touching down safely at DFW around 6:55 p.m. local time, the Airbus A321 concluded its flight without further incident. The FAA is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the events.
A snapshot captures an American Airlines Airbus A321 gliding into San Diego International Airport back on June 20, 2026. Meanwhile, another A321 completed its journey to DFW uneventfully on August 21, despite prior reporting of an onboard laptop battery fire. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
American Airlines separately confirmed to News Media that smoke was reported from a customer’s device during landing.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, where emergency personnel met the plane in accordance with procedure, the airline said.
One passenger received medical attention at the scene and was released, the spokesperson said. DFW separately confirmed to News Media that emergency crews met the flight and one patient was treated and released.
A lithium-ion laptop battery is pictured in a stock image. The FAA says lithium batteries can pose a fire risk if they enter thermal runaway. (iStock)
The flight was carrying 133 people when the incident occurred, according to air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News.
Jessica Irgens, a passenger aboard the flight, told CBS News the fire began roughly 30 minutes before landing when another passenger’s laptop began smoking and caught fire.
Irgens said she was sitting two rows away and moved toward the back of the aircraft because of the heavy smoke. She told the outlet the laptop’s owner placed the device in the aisle and other passengers attempted to help.
The pilot reported to air traffic controllers that about four to five passengers may have suffered burns from the laptop, according to audio obtained by CBS News.
An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 sits at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 23, 2017. Officials confirmed one passenger was treated by medical personnel following the incident. (Getty Images)
Lithium batteries used in laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices can overheat through a process known as thermal runaway, according to the FAA.
The FAA said thermal runaway can occur without warning and can result from several factors, including a battery being damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed.