An EasyJet flight traveling from Hurghada, Egypt, to London was unexpectedly diverted to Rome after a passenger reported a power bank charging a device in their checked luggage. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries on flights.

Safety Precautions Prompt Diversion

The flight, identified as EZY2618, was three and a half hours into its journey when the crew was informed about the charging device. In accordance with safety protocols, the captain decided to divert the plane to Rome Fiumicino Airport as a precautionary measure. EasyJet emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority, and they operate in strict compliance with safety regulations.

Passengers were accommodated with hotels and meals before continuing their journey to London Luton Airport the following morning.

Regulations on Power Banks

Recent regulations by the International Civil Aviation Organization limit passengers to two power banks, which cannot be recharged during flights. Various airlines have implemented their own restrictions. For instance, Singapore Airlines prohibits the use of power banks during flights, and South Korea has banned them from overhead storage after a fire incident on an Air Busan flight.

Lithium-ion batteries, common in consumer electronics, pose risks if overcharged or damaged, potentially leading to thermal runaway. The Federal Aviation Administration reports 563 incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from these batteries on flights over the past two decades.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.