UPDATE: A United Airlines Boeing 767 has diverted to Dublin Airport due to a laptop emergency. On November 19, 2025, Flight UA925, traveling from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles, was forced to make an urgent course correction after a passenger’s laptop slipped into a narrow gap in a business-class seat.
The incident occurred mid-flight when the laptop became lodged between the armrest and the cabin wall, making it inaccessible to the crew. Authorities report that the decision to divert was made as a precaution due to potential risks associated with the laptop’s lithium-ion battery.
United Airlines confirmed that the diversion was necessary to retrieve the device, stating it had “fallen in between the seat and the side wall.” In light of the known dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires if damaged or overheated, the crew opted for safety first.
Upon landing safely in Dublin, maintenance crews quickly retrieved and inspected the laptop, confirming no visible damage. The flight resumed later that night but arrived in Washington Dulles approximately five hours behind schedule, as tracked by Flightradar24.
This incident highlights a growing concern in aviation: the hazards posed by portable electronics. Just weeks earlier, a similar situation occurred on October 2025, when Flight UA126 had to return to Dulles after a powered-on laptop slipped into the cargo area. The pilot reported to air traffic control, “We don’t know the status of it. We can’t access it,” prompting an immediate return for safety reasons.
Moreover, a separate incident involving a battery on a SAS flight in mid-October resulted in a fire on board, sending eight passengers to the hospital. These events underline a critical safety issue airlines are grappling with: the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
The aviation industry is increasingly vigilant as incidents of trapped devices rise, particularly on long flights over oceans where emergency diversions are limited. Airlines, including United, are enhancing crew training and protocols, emphasizing caution when handling electronics that may become lodged in tight spaces.
Travelers are urged to take precautions: secure electronics in designated areas, avoid pressing them into narrow spaces, and immediately notify cabin crew if a device goes missing or shows signs of overheating.
As incidents like these continue to unfold, the focus remains squarely on passenger safety. Authorities are tightening regulations and reviewing aircraft designs to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
