A LOT flight from Warsaw to Istanbul had to return to Chopin Airport after a passenger’s phone caught fire during the flight.
Flight departure and mid‑air smoke detection
Flight LO137 departed Warsaw’s Chopin Airport shortly before 8 p.m. on 21 November heading to Istanbul. En route the crew reported smoke in the cabin.
Immediate firefighting action onboard
The crew used onboard extinguishers to stop the smoke, locating the source to a failing battery in a passenger’s phone. The damaged device was placed in a water bucket for cooling.
Decision to return to Warsaw
Given the potential danger and use of firefighting resources, the captain chose to divert back to Chopin Airport, landing safely at 20:50 without further complications.
Ground emergency support
Airport authorities summoned City Fire Brigade units. Once the situation was under control, external forces were withdrawn and only airport staff handled the aftermath.
Passenger experience and safety outcome
Passengers stayed seated until the crew completed their tasks and were later transferred to another flight to Turkey. No injuries were reported among crew or passengers.
