Cellphone caught fire on British Airways flight to Las Vegas before landing
The airline said Flight 271 landed safely after the cabin fire, and FAA data show nearly 100 battery fire incidents in 2025.
- On Monday, British Airways Flight 271 landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas after a cellphone caught fire on board, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
- Electronic devices like cellphones carry fire risks due to lithium batteries, which can short circuit. Fires occur when batteries enter "thermal runaway," an unpredictable event where they overheat until failing and emitting flames, smoke, and toxic gas.
- The pilot reported the fire "scorched the inside of the cabin" but remained under control. Harry Reid International Airport spokesperson Amanda Mazzagatti stated the fire was extinguished and the aircraft taxied to the gate normally.
- Investigating the incident, the FAA noted that nearly 100 battery fire incidents occurred in 2025, with vaping devices identified as the most common cause of lithium battery fires on passenger flights at 35%.
- Aviation incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires increased 28% between 2019 and 2023, prompting American Airlines to tighten restrictions on portable chargers passengers can bring on flights in April.
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Cellphone fire reported on British Airways flight before landing at Las Vegas airport
The Federal Aviation Administration said British Airways Flight 271 landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas after the crew reported a cellphone fire on board.

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