Flight Diverted Due to Power Bank Charging in Hold
A UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome after a power bank was discovered charging inside a passenger's luggage, officials have confirmed.
Flight EZY2618, traveling from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton, landed in Rome on Tuesday night as a precautionary measure.
The airline stated that the captain made the decision to divert the flight "in line with safety regulations" after a passenger notified the crew mid-flight that a portable charger was charging in the aircraft's hold. Many airlines have implemented stricter regulations regarding power banks, often requiring them to be carried in hand luggage due to the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries.
The flight safely touched down at Rome Fiumicino Airport and was rescheduled to depart the following day.
FlightRadar24 data shows that the aircraft was cruising at 36,000 feet when, approximately three hours into the journey over the Adriatic Sea, it made a sharp left turn and landed 20 minutes later.
It is understood that there was no malfunction with the power bank itself; however, regulations prohibit power banks from being charged in the hold during flight.
EasyJet's Response and Passenger Support
A spokesperson for EasyJet said:
"The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely and we provided hotel accommodation and meals where available. As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.
"The safety of its passengers and crew is EasyJet's highest priority and EasyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines.
"We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay."
EasyJet's regulations specify that power banks are only allowed in cabin baggage and are "prohibited from use" during the flight, meaning they must not be used to charge other devices.
Passengers are permitted to carry a maximum of two power banks each, which must not exceed 160 Watt-hour (Wh) for lithium batteries. Additionally, power banks must be individually protected, such as by being kept in their original packaging or a plastic bag.
Cabin crew frequently make announcements warning passengers against using power banks during flights.
Similar Rules Across Airlines
Other airlines have implemented comparable restrictions. Ryanair, for example, prohibits power banks in checked baggage, disallows them in overhead compartments, and forbids their use to charge or power portable electronic devices during taxi, take-off, or landing.
British Airways mandates that power banks must not exceed 100Wh, must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, and that onboard plug sockets cannot be used to charge power banks.
These strict rules reflect the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks. Such batteries carry a risk of overheating or catching fire, a situation that is easier to manage in the cabin than in the aircraft hold.
International Regulations and Incidents
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations agency, introduced new restrictions on power banks in March.
Incidents involving lithium-ion power banks have underscored the risks. In November 2025, a man caught fire at Melbourne International Airport after a lithium power bank in his pocket ignited, causing burns to his leg and fingers.
Earlier, in January 2025, authorities reported that a portable power bank was the likely cause of a fire that destroyed a passenger plane in South Korea, resulting in minor injuries to three people.
