Cabin fire on United Airlines flight leads to an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A cabin fire on a United Airlines flight heading to Newark, New Jersey made an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport on Thursday afternoon.

According to officials, United Airlines Flight 1513 landed safely at Washington Dulles International Airport around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, after the crew reported a fire in the cabin. The Boeing 737 departed Key West International Airport in Florida and was traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating the incident.

United Airlines released a statement about the incident. Read the full statement below:

“Our flight from Key West to Newark landed safely at Washington Dulles yesterday to investigate light smoke venting from a galley oven. All passengers deplaned normally at the gate. We arranged for a different aircraft to take our customers to Newark.”Cabin Fire Forces United Airlines Flight to Make Emergency Landing at Dulles International Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 3, 2025 — A United Airlines flight en route from Key West, Florida to Newark, New Jersey made an emergency landing at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out inside the aircraft cabin, prompting swift action by the flight crew and emergency responders.

According to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines, Flight 1513, a Boeing 737 aircraft, safely touched down at Dulles at approximately 4:45 p.m. after the crew reported visible smoke and signs of a fire in the cabin mid-flight. The nature of the fire has not yet been fully disclosed, but early reports suggest it may have originated from an overhead bin or a malfunctioning electronic device.

The aircraft had departed from Key West International Airport shortly before 2:00 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport later that evening. Approximately midway through the flight, passengers and flight attendants began to notice smoke, prompting the crew to initiate emergency procedures.

Quick Action by Crew Prevents Disaster

Flight attendants acted quickly to identify the source of the fire and began extinguishing it with onboard fire extinguishers, according to statements from multiple passengers. Pilots declared an in-flight emergency and rerouted to the nearest suitable airport — in this case, Washington Dulles International Airport.

Air traffic controllers worked to clear a path for the aircraft, prioritizing its descent and landing. Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, were waiting on the tarmac as the plane landed. Once on the ground, the plane taxied to a remote area of the airport where emergency personnel boarded the aircraft to assess the situation.

“There was a smell of burning plastic, and we saw smoke near the middle of the plane. It was terrifying for a moment, but the crew stayed calm and kept everyone informed,” said Jenna Morales, a passenger seated in row 18. “They handled it like pros.”

No Serious Injuries Reported

All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft. United Airlines confirmed in a statement that there were no serious injuries reported, although a few passengers were evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation and minor anxiety-related symptoms. One crew member was also treated as a precaution.

The airline has praised the actions of the flight crew for their professionalism and swift response. “Our team acted quickly to manage a challenging situation, and we are grateful that everyone onboard is safe,” said a United Airlines spokesperson. “We are cooperating fully with authorities to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the fire.”

Investigation Underway

The FAA, in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has launched an investigation into the incident. Inspectors began examining the aircraft shortly after passengers disembarked to determine the cause of the fire. Early theories include an overheated battery pack or a short-circuit in a passenger’s electronic device stored in the overhead compartment.

“While cabin fires are rare, they are taken extremely seriously,” said FAA spokesperson Rachel Thompson. “The incident underscores the importance of safety procedures and the need for ongoing vigilance regarding electronic devices onboard aircraft.”

Investigators are also reviewing flight data and cockpit voice recordings, as well as statements from the flight crew and passengers. Additional details about the fire’s origin are expected in the coming days.

Passengers Rebooked and Assisted

United Airlines arranged accommodations and alternative travel plans for the 143 passengers onboard. Many were rebooked on later flights to Newark or connecting flights via other major hubs. The airline also provided food vouchers and transportation assistance for stranded travelers.

“We’re just thankful it didn’t turn into something worse,” said Adam Kim, who was traveling with his wife and two children. “It was scary for a while, but the crew and emergency teams did everything right.”

Safety and Preparedness Highlighted

Thursday’s emergency landing serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety protocols, including fire detection and suppression systems onboard commercial airliners. The crew’s prompt response helped prevent what could have been a much more dangerous situation.

Aviation analyst Mark Hall commented on the significance of the incident, saying, “This is a textbook example of how training and preparedness save lives. Fires in flight are among the most dangerous situations a crew can face, and in this case, they executed their protocols perfectly.”

As the investigation continues, United Airlines has assured the public that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The airline is expected to release more information as findings from the ongoing investigation become available.

What’s Next?

Passengers who were on Flight 1513 will likely be contacted by investigators for follow-up questions. Meanwhile, the aircraft has been grounded for further inspection and testing. The FAA may issue new safety advisories depending on the findings related to the cause of the fire.

Anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual during the flight has been asked to contact the FAA or NTSB with relevant information.

While the incident caused delays and moments of panic, the outcome ultimately reinforces the strength of the airline industry’s emergency procedures — a fact not lost on those onboard.

“I’ll be nervous flying again for a while,” admitted passenger Jenna Morales, “but knowing how prepared the crew was actually gives me more confidence in the system.”