By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2026-06-16 01:51:02 | Updated at 2026-06-16 05:25:33
3 hours ago
A cellphone caught fire and “scorched the cabin” aboard a British Airways flight en route to a Las Vegas, Nevada airport on Monday, according to authorities.
British Airways Flight 271 from London, England, landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas at 2:30 p.m. local time after a crew member reported a cell phone fire on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
A cellphone caught on fire aboard British Airways Flight 271 from London, England, on Monday. MKPhoto – stock.adobe.comA pilot was heard on air traffic control audio obtained by CBS saying the mobile phone had “scorched the inside of the cabin,” but that the sparks were under control.
A British Airways spokesperson told The Post that the flight “landed safely and customers disembarked normally.”
It is unclear what kind of cell phone caused the fire.
Last year, the FAA reported at least 50 smoke, fire, or incidents involving extreme heat that caused flight diversions and even injuries.
The plane landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.comMany portable rechargeable devices carry a risk of fire due to their lithium-ion batteries, which can spark. Only lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of less than 160 watt hours are allowed aboard passenger planes.
The FAA stressed that cell phones, laptops, mobility aids, and other rechargeable electronic devices must be stored in carry-on bags — not checked luggage — in case of a fire.
“The safety of our customers and crew is the highest priority,” the British Airways spokesperson added.
The FAA will investigate the incident.
