A United Airlines flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) made an unexpected return to Washington after a passenger’s laptop fell into the cargo hold. The incident occurred on October 15, 2025, raising safety concerns due to the laptop’s lithium-ion battery, which poses a potential fire risk when left unattended.
The Boeing 767-400ER, operating as Flight UA126, had taken off at 22:30 local time. Less than an hour into its journey, the aircraft performed a U-turn off the coast of Boston, as confirmed by data from Flightradar24. According to Air Traffic Control (ATC) recordings, the laptop slipped down a sidewall and into the cargo bay, where it became inaccessible to the flight crew.
The flight crew’s communication with ATC revealed that the laptop had fallen into an area out of sight and away from the aircraft’s fire suppression systems. At the time the laptop was dropped, it was still powered on, meaning it had several hours of battery life remaining. One pilot informed ATC, “A passenger on the airplane had a laptop that they dropped somewhere, and it’s now missing somewhere inside the airplane, and we need to recover it before we can go across the pond.”
Delay and Passenger Safety Prioritized
The flight returned to Washington, landing at 00:35 local time—more than two hours after its initial departure. After locating the laptop, the aircraft was refueled and prepared for a replacement flight. The Boeing 767 took off again at 03:25, arriving in Rome at 17:26, resulting in a delay of over five hours for passengers.
While ATC noted that this incident was unusual, it is not the first time a laptop has caused issues for United Airlines. Last summer, a similar event occurred when a laptop was accidentally wedged into a seat during a flight from Zurich to Chicago O’Hare. That incident also resulted in a significant diversion and subsequent cancellation of the flight.
Concerns Over Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in laptops and other electronic devices, can present safety hazards on aircraft if damaged or overheated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented strict safety measures regarding these batteries, including prohibiting them from checked luggage.
Reports indicate that incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have been increasing, with over 50 incidents recorded in the United States in 2023 alone. Fortunately, the pilots of Flight UA126 did not declare an emergency, emphasizing that their decision to return was made out of an abundance of caution.
Recent incidents, such as a fire caused by a lithium battery in an Air China flight, highlight the ongoing concerns surrounding these devices. In that case, cabin crew successfully contained the fire, allowing the aircraft to land safely without injuries.
As air travel continues to evolve, the safety protocols surrounding electronic devices remain a critical focus for both airlines and regulatory authorities.
