American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Passenger Device Catches Fire

American Airlines confirmed the flight diversion, adding that the customer’s device was 'quickly contained by crew members prior to landing.'

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 8/25/2025, 10:04:04 PM EDT

American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Passenger Device Catches Fire — An American Airlines plane takes off from LAX in Los Angeles, on Nov. 21, 2024. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

An American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Phoenix made an emergency landing at Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday after a passenger’s electronic device caught fire, sending smoke through the cabin.

Flight 357, an Airbus A321 carrying 160 passengers and six crew members, landed safely around 11:50 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA said the airline crew reported a fire in one of the passenger rows and that emergency personnel met the aircraft upon landing. The FAA is investigating the incident.

American Airlines confirmed the flight diversion in a statement emailed to NTD, saying the customer’s device was “quickly contained by crew members prior to landing.” The airline added, “We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience this caused and thank our crew for their professionalism.”

The airline also noted that passengers were rebooked on alternative flights and that the flight followed standard emergency procedures.

One passenger shared on social media about being on the plane, adding, “It was scary.”

The Airbus had departed Philadelphia International Airport and was en route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when the fire occurred. American Airlines said all crew members acted promptly to contain the fire before landing.

Officials have not specified the type of device involved. The FAA’s investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any additional safety procedures are necessary.

Flight Safety and Devices

The Federal Aviation Administration’s PackSafe program offers guidelines on safe travel with electronic devices, especially devices that use lithium batteries.

Although lithium-ion batteries are required to undergo safety testing, "all lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and experiencing a process called thermal runaway," states the FAA. "Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly protected. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects."

According to the FAA, devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries—such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets—should be carried in carry-on baggage, as "flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin."

Spare or uninstalled lithium batteries, however, must always stay in carry-on bags, and are required to be completely powered off and protected to prevent accidental activation or damage.

The FAA says travelers should alert flight attendants immediately if a device starts smoking, expanding, or burning. In addition, the FAA warns that damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices could spark or overheat, and should never be brought on a plane.

"For additional information on recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission, manufacturer, or vendor website," states the FAA. Batteries and battery-powered devices are often recalled for safety reasons.