Cellphone Catches Fire on British Airways Flight Bound for Las Vegas

A British Airways flight bound for Las Vegas experienced a cellphone fire in the cabin on Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. Air traffic control audio captured the pilot alerting ground authorities about the incident, stating a mobile phone fire had "scorched the inside of the cabin," but that the crew had successfully controlled the fire.

British Airways Flight 271 landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport around 2:30 p.m. local time. While the airline stated the flight landed safely and passengers disembarked normally, they did not mention the alert called in by the aircraft. The FAA is investigating the incident.

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The safety of our customers and crew is the highest priority.

This event underscores the FAA's directive that passengers must keep electronic devices, including those with lithium batteries, in carry-on baggage. This policy ensures cabin crews can quickly respond if a fire occurs. The FAA noted that in 2025, there were 82 incidents related to lithium-battery fires, with 60 occurring on passenger planes, often involving portable chargers, vape devices, or cellphones.

Recent rule changes reflect growing concerns over lithium battery safety. In April, American Airlines implemented a strict limit of two portable chargers per passenger, requiring them to be visible while in use. These measures align with updated regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization, aimed at enhancing safety for passengers and airlines. Major Canadian airlines also prohibit power banks and portable chargers in checked baggage.

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Cell phones, laptops, vaping devices, mobility aids, and other portable rechargeable electronic devices must be in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. It’s crucial that passengers keep these devices in the cabin so if a fire starts, the cabin crew can respond quickly.