The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority has warned that incidents involving portable power banks causing safety problems on aircraft are increasing globally.
The authority urged airline passengers to strictly follow aviation safety regulations concerning the use and transport of power banks.
According to the regulator, power banks containing lithium-ion batteries can:
- Overheat
- Catch fire
- Create serious onboard safety hazards if improperly handled
Officials emphasized that restrictions imposed by airlines are critical safety measures rather than routine rules.
Jonathan Nicholson stated that passengers should:
- Carry power banks only in hand luggage
- Carry no more than two power banks per passenger
- Avoid using or recharging them during flights
He warned that charging or using such devices onboard may increase the risk of overheating.
Emergency Diversion Incident
The warning follows a recent incident involving an easyJet flight travelling from Egypt to London.
According to reports:
- A passenger had left a power bank inside luggage stored in the aircraft compartment
- The flight was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Rome as a precautionary measure
- Passengers reportedly had to remain overnight following the diversion
The Civil Aviation Authority says incidents involving lithium-ion battery devices are becoming increasingly common due to the widespread use of:
- Power banks
- Mobile devices
- Portable electronics
According to official data:
- Battery overheating incidents were reported on an average of two flights per week during 2024
Authorities also noted that public understanding of airline battery regulations remains limited, despite many travelers being generally aware that such rules exist.
Passengers are being encouraged to:
- Check airline-specific battery regulations before travel
- Avoid packing power banks in checked baggage
- Monitor electronic devices carefully during flights
- Report overheating devices immediately to cabin crew
