An EasyJet flight travelling from Hurghada to London was forced to divert to Rome after cabin crew were alerted to a power bank charging inside a passenger’s luggage.
Flight EZY2618 had departed from Egypt and was scheduled to arrive at London Luton Airport early on Wednesday before the aircraft was redirected to Rome Fiumicino Airport as a precautionary safety measure.
Passengers were later provided with hotel accommodation overnight before the flight was rescheduled for the following day.
An EasyJet spokesperson said: “The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations.”
“The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely and we provided hotel accommodation and meals where available.”
The airline confirmed some passengers who remained inside the airport terminal were also given refreshments.
EasyJet rules prohibit passengers from using or charging power banks during flights due to fire safety risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Passengers are also only permitted to carry a maximum of two power banks in their hand luggage, with devices required to be individually protected.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
“We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”
Several airlines around the world have tightened restrictions on power banks and spare lithium batteries because damaged or overheating devices can cause dangerous fires inside aircraft cabins.
Glenn Bradley previously warned about the risks linked to lithium battery devices.
“Lithium batteries power everything from vapes and mobile phones to cameras and power banks,” he said.
“If they become faulty or damaged, they can cause an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish, both in the cabin or the hold of an aircraft.”
Bradley advised travellers to always carry lithium batteries in cabin baggage and ensure devices are completely switched off during flights.