The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned that portable chargers carry 'serious risks' of overheating or catching fire, as airlines tighten rules on power banks. The warning comes after a UK-bound easyJet flight was diverted to Rome last week when a passenger realised a power bank was in hold luggage. The captain decided to divert 'in line with safety regulations', and the flight was rescheduled to the next day.
Ryanair, easyJet, TUI and Emirates have all updated their policies. Power banks are generally banned from checked luggage and must be carried in cabin hand luggage only, due to the risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire. Emirates now requires devices to be switched off and stored under the seat, not in overhead lockers, effective October. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have also banned the devices.
The CAA said incidents involving power banks are 'certainly on the rise' as their popularity grows. A survey of 1,000 UK passengers in November 2025 found that over a third are aware rules exist but are unsure what they involve, with over-55s typically knowing them better. Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA urged passengers 'to do the right thing', stressing that restrictions are not 'somebody being pedantic'.
Lithium batteries pose a danger due to 'thermal runaway', a rapid temperature rise leading to fire and explosion. Passengers may carry up to 15 personal electronic devices, including power banks, in carry-on luggage only. Spare lithium batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits and must not exceed 100Wh each. Devices over 100Wh are not permitted except for electric wheelchair batteries.
EasyJet strictly requires all lithium-ion batteries, spare batteries, and power banks to be in cabin hand luggage only, prohibited in hold baggage. The CAA said 'more awareness' is needed as portable chargers carry serious risks of overheating or catching fire.
