A UK‑bound EasyJet flight was forced to divert to Rome after crew were alerted that a power bank was charging inside a passenger’s checked luggage, the airline has confirmed.
Flight EZY2618, travelling from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton on Tuesday night, landed in the Italian capital “as a precaution” after the captain was informed mid‑flight that the device was in the aircraft hold. Lithium‑ion power banks are prohibited from charging in checked baggage due to the risk of overheating or fire.
FlightRadar24 data shows the Airbus A320 cruising at 36,000ft over the Adriatic Sea nearly three hours into its journey when it made a sharp left turn toward Rome Fiumicino, touching down around 20 minutes later. It is understood the power bank itself showed no signs of malfunction, but regulations required the diversion once its status was reported.
In a statement, EasyJet said: “The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely. We provided hotel accommodation and meals where available, and refreshments for customers who remained in the airport. The safety of passengers and crew is EasyJet’s highest priority and we operate in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”
The flight was rescheduled for the following day.
Strict rules on power banks
EasyJet’s policy states that power banks are permitted only in cabin baggage, must not exceed 160Wh, and must not be used to charge devices during the flight. They must also be individually protected, such as in original packaging or a plastic bag.
Other airlines enforce similar restrictions.
- Ryanair bans power banks from checked luggage and prohibits their use during taxi, take‑off and landing.
- British Airways limits them to 100Wh and requires they be stored under the seat or in a seat pocket; onboard sockets cannot be used to charge them.
The rules reflect the fire risk associated with lithium‑ion batteries. Fires in the cabin can be contained quickly, but in the hold they pose a far greater hazard.
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, flights worldwide experienced an average of two lithium‑battery‑related “thermal runaway” incidents per week in 2024, ranging from overheating devices to reported power banks left in hold luggage.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation introduced updated global restrictions on power banks in March.
Recent incidents
Lithium battery fires continue to be a concern for aviation authorities. In November 2025, a man suffered burns at Melbourne Airport after a power bank ignited in his pocket. And in January 2025, investigators said a portable charger was the likely cause of a fire that destroyed a passenger aircraft in South Korea, injuring three people.
