UPDATE: United Airlines has made an urgent diversion of Flight UA925 after a laptop accident in business class raised safety concerns. On November 19, 2025, the Boeing 767, traveling from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles, redirected to Dublin Airport when a passenger’s laptop slipped into the narrow gap between the armrest and the cabin wall.
The incident occurred as the crew was unable to retrieve the device, raising alarms over the potential risks associated with its lithium-ion battery. According to reports from Shaun’s Aviation, the decision to divert was made as a safety precaution, given that damaged batteries could enter a thermal runaway state, leading to smoke or fire.
After landing safely in Dublin, maintenance crews quickly retrieved and inspected the trapped laptop, confirming no visible damage before the flight resumed later that evening. However, this diversion set the flight’s schedule back by approximately five hours, as highlighted by data from Flightradar24.
What Happened? An ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) message indicated the laptop was lodged “between the seat and side wall,” making it inaccessible to the crew. United Airlines later confirmed the precautionary diversion, stating it was necessary to ensure passenger safety.
This is not the first incident of its kind. Earlier this month, another United flight, UA126, from Washington Dulles to Rome faced a similar situation when a powered-on laptop slipped into the lower fuselage. The pilot communicated to air traffic control, “We don’t know the status of it. We can’t access it. We can’t see it … So our decision is to return … and find this laptop before we can continue over the ocean.” After recovering the device, that flight also departed approximately four hours late.
These incidents underscore a growing concern within the aviation industry regarding the hazards posed by portable electronics. Just last month, an incident on a SAS Airbus A320neo involved a battery in a passenger’s luggage experiencing a thermal runaway event, resulting in a fire and sending eight individuals to the hospital.
The broader implications of these mishaps highlight the inherent risks linked to devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Airlines are increasingly vigilant about ensuring the safety of these electronics, especially during long overwater flights where diversions are limited.
As incidents become more prevalent, airlines are refining their safety protocols, emphasizing caution when handling situations where devices cannot be visually inspected. Crews are instructed to avoid aggressive seat manipulation and isolate affected areas while assessing the need for a diversion.
Travelers are now advised to take extra precautions with their electronics. Keeping devices secure and avoiding tight spaces can prevent mishaps. If a device goes missing or emits smoke, passengers should notify cabin crew immediately.
With the aviation industry tightening regulations and refining training protocols surrounding fire safety, the message is clear: ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority when faced with the uncertainty of trapped lithium-ion batteries.
As United Airlines and other carriers adapt to these emerging threats, passengers are reminded to stay alert and proactive while traveling.
