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Rise in Lithium Battery Incidents on Flights
Comparing the average weekly frequency of thermal runaway incidents between 2019 and 2024.
Primary Sources
Watchdog Alerts to Increasing Portable Charger Issues on Flights
Power banks are causing increasing issues on flights globally, warns the UK's aviation regulator. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) emphasizes the need for "more awareness" regarding these devices. Portable chargers pose "serious risks" of overheating or catching fire. Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA spoke to BBC News about safety measures. He stated that restrictions, like not placing power banks in checked luggage, are important. Passengers should follow these rules for their safety. Recently, an EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome due to a power bank in hold luggage. Nicholson outlined key international rules for passengers: - Carry power banks on board, not in checked luggage. - Limit to two power banks per passenger. - Do not use or charge them while on the aircraft. The CAA plans a campaign this summer with UK airlines to clarify these rules for travelers. Last week’s incident involved EasyJet flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton. It landed in Rome as a precaution after a passenger reported a portable charger in the hold. Passengers had to wait overnight for a rescheduled flight. Nicholson stressed that following these rules is crucial. He noted he wouldn’t want to be responsible for diverting a flight due to improper packing. Nicholson observed that incidents involving power banks are rising as their popularity increases. Vapes also face similar restrictions regarding checked luggage. Data from UL Standards & Engagement indicated an average of two flights per week experienced thermal runaway incidents in 2024. These incidents involve lithium-ion batteries overheating and posing fire risks. The data covers all rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries, including phones and laptops. There was a 15% increase in such incidents from 2019 to 2024. A CAA survey of 1,000 UK passengers revealed over one-third knew about lithium battery regulations but were unclear on specifics. Older passengers typically understood the rules better. Nicholson explained that power banks have larger batteries than devices like cameras and laptops. When they catch fire, they can cause significant damage and danger, although cabin crew receive training on handling such situations. Portable chargers are popular among travelers since many short-haul flights lack plug sockets. Nicholson urged caution with power banks both during flights and daily life. He suggested treating power banks with care, noting people often neglect them compared to mobile phones. ...
Portable charger problems on flights 'on the rise', watchdog warns - BBC
12 hours agoEwan SomervilleGetty ImagesPower banks are not allowed in checked luggagePower banks are causing a growing number of serious issues on flights worldwide, the UK's aviation regulator has warned as it encouraged passengers to check the rules.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said "more awareness" was needed as portable chargers carry "serious risks" of overheating or catching fire.Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA told BBC News that restrictions such as not putting the devices in checked luggage were not "somebody being pedantic" or "for the sake of it", with passengers urged "to do the right thing".Nicholson said the "basic set of international rules" all passengers must follow on power banks are:Take them with you on board the aircraft, not in checked luggageA maximum of two power banks per passengerWhen on board the aircraft, don't use them and "absolutely do not charge the power bank itself because that's when they become really hot and most susceptible to having an issue"The CAA is planning to launch a campaign this summer with UK airlines to explain what the rules are and why, for those going on their holidays and business travellers.Last week, EasyJet flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton changed course to land in Rome Fiumicino as a "precaution" after a passenger told crew members that a portable charger was in the aircraft's hold.Passengers had to stay overnight until a rescheduled flight to London the next day."It is absolutely a rule that can make a difference," Nicholson said.He added: "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."Nicholson said incidents involving power banks were "certainly on the rise" as portable chargers grow in popularity, alongside vapes which are not allowed in checked luggage either.CAAJonathan Nicholson of the CAA suggested passengers charge up their devices before boarding planesThis means lithium-ion batteries overheating - posing serious fire risks.The data was compiled through voluntary reporting by 37 passenger and cargo airlines, and covers all rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries such as power banks, phones, tablets and laptops.There was a 15% rise in incidents between 2019, when the organisation began collecting data, and 2024.A survey by the CAA of 1,000 UK passengers in November 2025 suggested more than a third know what lithium batteries are and are aware ...
Only Two Power Banks Allowed, No Charging Mid-Flight: New Rules on What ...
What Are the New ICAO Power Bank Rules? The ICAO's updated safety guidance, effective 27 March 2026, introduces the first coordinated international standard on portable battery limits in aviation. All 193 ICAO member states are expected to adopt the rules. The core restrictions are straightforward. Here's what applies to every passenger on international flights: Maximum […]
Watchdog Warns of Rising Portable Charger Issues on Flights
Aviation Safety Alert: The Growing Risk of Portable Charger Incidents on Flights As air travel demand climbs, a concerning trend has emerged in the cabin: an increase in safety incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. Portable power banks, now a staple of the modern traveler's carry-on kit, are increasingly becoming a source of mid-flight emergencies, prompting aviation safety regulators ...
