iPad stuck in seat forces Lufthansa plane to make unscheduled landing

Dubai: A Lufthansa flight from Los Angeles to Munich was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Boston after a tablet became jammed in a business-class seat, sparking safety concerns.

The Airbus A380, carrying 461 passengers, had been in the air for about three hours on April 23 when pilots decided to divert the flight to Boston Logan International Airport.

According to a Lufthansa spokesperson speaking to Business Insider, the electronic device — reported to be an iPad — was already showing signs of deformation due to seat movements.

Concerned about the risk of overheating or fire, the crew and air traffic control made a joint decision to land as a precaution.
“At Lufthansa, the safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said in a statement, emphasising that the diversion was purely preventive.

Upon landing, a Lufthansa Technik maintenance team inspected and safely removed the damaged tablet. After confirming there was no remaining hazard, the aircraft resumed its journey to Munich, arriving three hours later than scheduled.

Lithium batteries in personal electronics can pose significant risks when damaged, including the possibility of thermal runaway — a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to fires or explosions.

The airline’s swift response prevented any such incident and ensured the safety of all on board.