An American Airlines Airbus A321 operating as Flight 2398 landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport after a passenger laptop caught fire in the cabin during approach from Atlanta. The aircraft carried 133 people, and emergency crews met it at the gate. One passenger received medical attention and was released after the incident, which was contained without a crash, diversion or reported damage to the aircraft.
The crew reported smoke from a customer’s device as the flight neared Dallas, prompting flight attendants to use a thermal containment bag to control the fire. Air traffic control audio referenced a possible number of burn injuries higher than the later airline account, but the confirmed outcome was limited to one passenger treated on site. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the event, which adds to continuing concern over lithium battery fires on board aircraft, particularly during approach and landing.