Laptop fire leaves passengers injured on American Airlines flight

The incident occurred Friday on American Airlines Flight 2398, which was carrying about 133 passengers.

Published: August 22, 2026 6:15pm

Several passengers were injured after a laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas, prompting an emergency response as the aircraft prepared to land.

The incident occurred Friday on American Airlines Flight 2398, which was carrying about 133 passengers. 

Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting a fire in the rear of the aircraft as flight attendants worked to extinguish it.

“I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop,” the pilot said, according to audio obtained by CBS News. The device was later contained in the middle section of the cabin.

The plane landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport at about 6:55 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Emergency personnel met the aircraft after it reached the gate.

The FAA said the fire involved a laptop battery and that flight attendants used a thermal containment bag to secure the device. The agency said it was investigating.

American Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely after smoke was reported from a passenger's device.

“We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device,” the airline said in a statement.

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