On Aug 22, American Airlines Flight 2398—departing from Atlanta, Georgia—was forced to divert when the pilot reported a "cabin fire in the back of the aircraft" to air traffic control. Flight attendants were immediately engaged in containment and extinguishing efforts.
Investigators have confirmed that the fire originated from a passenger’s laptop, which had caught fire while the aircraft was airborne. The blaze prompted an emergency landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where aircraft taxied to a gate and emergency crews attended the scene.
Four to five passengers sustained burns from the unfolding incident; one passenger was treated on site and subsequently released from medical care, according to statements issued by American Airlines and the BBC’s U.S. partner CBS News.
The FAA has repeatedly warned that lithium‑ion batteries—commonly used in laptops, power banks and other portable devices—can overheat or ignite under certain conditions, such as mechanical damage, overheating, exposure to water, overcharging or improper packing. The agency has documented 58 verified in‑air incidents involving lithium batteries this year alone. Over the past 20 years, 84 cases involving laptop battery packs have been logged.
In light of the growing prevalence of in‑flight battery incidents, the FAA stresses that all lithium batteries must be stowed in carry‑on baggage only, and airlines are encouraged to enforce strict handling protocols.
The incident follows earlier cases—such as a May diversion of a UK‑bound EasyJet flight from Egypt after a power bank was found charging in the passenger hold—and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has warned that power banks pose “serious risks” of overheating or catching fire on aircraft.
For further information on lithium battery safety, visit the FAA safety page.
