Holidaymakers heading through Newcastle International Airport for the August Bank Holiday weekend are being urged to check how they pack battery-powered devices. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a warning over holiday gadgets that are often packed incorrectly, which can lead to delays and even fires onboard planes.
Passenger numbers on the rise
Newly released figures show that 2.7 million customers travelled through Newcastle International Airport between January and June 2026. During the same period, 138,000 people flew from Teesside International Airport.
With an estimated two million people expected to depart from airports across England, Scotland and Wales over the coming days, the CAA has explained how a simple packing mistake could lead to lengthy delays and potentially catastrophic consequences.
Simple steps before boarding
Travellers are being encouraged to take a few moments to check they have packed their battery-powered devices correctly. Passengers are reminded to keep items such as mobile phones, vapes and power banks in hand luggage, and never to charge a power bank during a flight.
Lithium batteries, found in many everyday gadgets, can overheat if damaged, and faulty or damaged batteries can explode or catch fire. When this happens in the hold while the plane is in the air, the blaze is more likely to go undetected for longer.
What should go in your hand luggage
Common holiday gadgets that should travel in hand luggage include power banks, vapes, wireless headphones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches and cameras.
Jonathan Nicholson, a spokesperson at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "Whether you're heading off for some late summer sun, squeezing in a last-minute family holiday or enjoying a long weekend away, a few simple checks before you travel can help your journey get off to the best possible start. With the average traveller now packing around four different lithium powered devices when they fly, it is more important than ever to 'Pack Right for a Safe Flight'."
According to the CAA, 36% of travellers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries into checked luggage. Figures from the authority also reveal that around two lithium battery incidents happen a week, with cases of devices being incorrectly packed rising by 91% last year, meaning the issue currently poses the greatest singular threat to aircraft safety.
"Don't let a simple packing mistake get in the way of your well-earned break," added Jonathan. "Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, so always take power banks, vapes and phones in the cabin with you - this simple step helps make flying safer for everyone on board."
For more information on travelling safely with lithium batteries and to view the full guidance, visit www.caa.co.uk/packright.
