An American Airlines flight arrived safely in Dallas after a laptop battery caught fire during the trip, leading flight attendants to secure the device and emergency crews to meet the aircraft on arrival, officials told News Outlet.
American Airlines Flight 2398 was nearing Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Friday following its departure from Atlanta when the crew reported a laptop battery fire, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
According to the FAA, flight attendants used a thermal containment bag to bring the fire under control.
The Airbus A321 touched down safely at DFW around 6:55 p.m. local time, the agency said. The FAA has opened an investigation into the incident.
An American Airlines Airbus A321 approaches San Diego International Airport on June 20, 2026. An American Airlines A321 landed safely at DFW on Aug. 21 after the crew reported a laptop battery fire on board. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
American Airlines also confirmed to News Outlet that smoke had been reported from a passenger’s device as the plane was 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 airline said the aircraft continued to the gate under its own power, where emergency responders were waiting as part of standard procedure.
One passenger received medical attention at the scene and was released, the spokesperson said. DFW separately confirmed to News Outlet 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.
