Aviation regulators are cautioning travelers to pack power banks safely this summer, following an increase in flight diversions caused by faulty devices. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) emphasized that proper packing reduces the risk of an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish.
Understanding the Risks
Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA, explained: “Lithium batteries power lots of everyday electronics, from vapes and mobile phones to cameras and power banks. If they become faulty or damaged, they can cause an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish. Flying is by far the safest way to travel, and we want to keep it that way. Packing safely reduces risk.”
Last week, an easyJet flight from Hurghada to Luton was diverted to Rome after a passenger alerted crew to a power bank charging in someone’s luggage. The flight had to be rescheduled due to crew-hours restrictions, delaying the plane overnight.
Regulations and Recommendations
According to the CAA, no more than two individually protected spare batteries per person may be carried on a flight. Power banks must remain with the passenger in cabin baggage, not in checked luggage. Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA stressed that such restrictions are not pedantic, urging passengers to comply to avoid diversions.
Nicholson noted a rise in incidents due to the growing popularity of portable chargers and vapes. He stated: “I wouldn't want to be the passenger who packed it in the wrong place and ended up with all the other passengers in the wrong city because the flight was diverted.”
Fire Risk and Incident Statistics
Lithium-ion batteries inside power banks pose a fire risk if damaged. Bradley added: “Keeping battery-powered items with you will make your flight safer for you and the other passengers you’re flying with.” Devices must not be recharged or used to charge others on board.
Data from US-based nonprofit UL Standards & Engagement revealed an average of two flights per week experienced a thermal runaway incident in 2024, with one in five resulting in diversion, evacuation, or return to gate. Thermal runaway incidents in air cargo rose 40% between 2021 and 2025.
