Warning over power bank fire risk on flights as summer holidays begin
Warning over power bank fire risk on flights as summer holidays begin
Warning over power bank fire risk - With the UK’s summer travel season underway, airline passengers are being urged to keep power banks and vapes in their carry-on luggage rather than the hold. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has highlighted that lithium battery-related hazards have become a major concern for aircraft safety, citing a significant rise in incidents involving these devices. The number of lithium-powered gadgets discovered in hold bags has nearly doubled in a year, prompting stricter guidelines for travelers.
The CAA reports that the average traveler now carries four lithium-based devices on flights, including laptops, vapes, and mobile phones. These batteries, known for their high energy density, are essential for modern electronics but pose risks if they overheat or malfunction. Such issues can ignite rapidly and spread flames difficult to contain, especially in the cargo hold where crew cannot immediately respond.
From 2024 to 2025, the number of lithium battery incidents reported to UK authorities surged from 316 to 643. Overheating and malfunction reports also increased, jumping from 123 to 206. While most incidents occur in the cabin, the concern remains that fires in the hold may go unnoticed until it’s too late. In October 2025, a video circulated of flames erupting from an Air China flight’s overhead compartment, linked to a lithium battery.
Prevention Is Key
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, emphasizes that the growing reliance on electronics has made lithium battery risks a "challenging" issue. He stresses that passenger awareness is critical, as prevention begins with how luggage is packed. "Cabin crew and pilots are trained to handle emergencies, but the best outcome is always avoiding them," he explains.
"Lithium batteries carry enormous energy, which is useful for recharging devices," says Giuseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First. "However, when things go wrong, they can cause 'ferocious' fires that are hard to extinguish. If these products are packed in baggage with no access, the consequences can be devastating."
Capanna adds that substandard lithium batteries, often purchased from third-party sellers, are the primary cause of these incidents. He urges travelers to ensure all devices are tested and certified before packing them for a trip. Last month, an EasyJet flight had to divert to Rome after a power bank was found in the hold, illustrating the real-world impact of these risks.
As summer holidays kick off, the CAA and safety experts are reinforcing guidelines: power banks should be carried in the cabin, with a limit of two per passenger. They must not be charged during the flight. Laptops should be fully powered off when placed in checked luggage. These measures aim to minimize delays and prevent potential disasters.