An EasyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome over the weekend after a passenger's power bank in their checked luggage sparked a potential fire risk. The incident has prompted the airline to reiterate its strict ban on power banks in hold baggage.
Emergency Diversion
The captain of the aircraft, carrying 180 passengers, informed everyone that a prohibited item in the hold presented a serious fire hazard and needed to be addressed on the ground. Reports indicate that a passenger had left their mobile phone charging inside their checked baggage using a power bank. A woman alerted a flight attendant to the whereabouts of her power bank, leading to the diversion.
The emergency landing occurred at 11:30 pm on Saturday, May 23. Passengers were accommodated in hotel rooms, though some chose to spend the night at the airport terminal, as the next available EasyJet flight back to the UK was not until 2 pm the following day.
EasyJet's Power Bank Rules
On its website, EasyJet outlines rules concerning lithium batteries. The airline states: "Power banks are accepted on EasyJet aircraft with a Wh rating not exceeding 160Wh for lithium batteries. Power banks are prohibited from use on EasyJet aircraft and must not be used to charge other devices."
Key requirements include:
- Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
- It is recommended that power banks be carried where they can be monitored, such as on your person.
- Passengers are limited to carrying no more than two power banks each.
- All power banks must be individually protected, for instance by placing them back in original retail packaging or inside a plastic bag.
Industry-Wide Regulations
These power bank rules apply to virtually all major airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, and British Airways. Passengers are advised to check with their specific airline regarding any particular guidelines and requirements around travelling with a power bank.
