American Airlines Flight Diverted After Device Fire

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An American Airlines flight traveling from Philadelphia to Phoenix was forced to divert to Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday after smoke and fire were reported from a passenger’s electronic device, officials confirmed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines said Flight 357 landed safely at Dulles around 11:50 a.m. after crew members responded quickly to the onboard emergency.

According to the airline, flight attendants acted swiftly when smoke was detected from a passenger’s device during the flight. The situation was contained before the aircraft touched down. Emergency crews met the plane on the runway as a precaution.

“The device was quickly contained by crew members prior to landing,” American Airlines said in a statement. “The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally.”

Officials have not disclosed the type of device that caught fire. Incidents involving electronic devices have raised concerns for airlines in recent years, particularly with lithium-ion batteries that can overheat or ignite in rare cases.

One passenger, Adriana Novello, shared her experience in a video later published by ABC News. She said she was asleep in the exit row when a flight attendant moved quickly to reach the fire extinguisher.

“Then I started smelling smoke, and many people on the plane were coughing,” Novello recalled. “I looked behind me and could see that a device was on fire in the aisle.”

Passengers reported brief moments of panic but said the crew’s rapid response kept the situation under control.

Flight 357 carried 160 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft departed from Philadelphia International Airport earlier Saturday morning and was scheduled to land in Phoenix before being diverted.

The FAA confirmed that it is investigating the incident. Investigators will review reports from crew members and examine the device involved to determine the cause of the fire.

Airlines have long trained crews to respond to in-flight fires, particularly those caused by personal electronic devices. The Federal Aviation Administration requires aircraft to carry fire suppression equipment and instructs crews on how to isolate devices suspected of overheating.

While such incidents remain rare, they highlight ongoing concerns about lithium-ion battery safety. The FAA has documented hundreds of events involving overheating batteries on commercial flights over the past decade. Most have been contained without injuries thanks to quick crew action.

American Airlines confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured. After landing, passengers were rebooked on later flights to continue their travel to Phoenix.

The airline expressed appreciation for the professionalism of its crew and the patience of its customers during the diversion.

“Safety is our top priority, and we are grateful for the swift action of our team members,” the company said.

As the FAA continues its review, aviation experts note that Saturday’s incident underscores the importance of airline safety training and the potential risks posed by everyday electronics at high altitudes.