An EasyJet flight headed to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger alerted crew to a power bank that was charging in someone’s luggage.
The air carrier said the diversion was made as a precaution, and the flight had been rescheduled for the following day.
Flight EZY2618 took off from Hurghada in Egypt and was due to land at Luton airport early on Wednesday. Instead, it touched down in Rome Fiumicino, where passengers were put in hotels for the night.
A spokesperson told The Independent: “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. As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.”
Passengers are not allowed to use or charge power banks on EasyJet flights and must protect the devices in individual packaging, according to the carrier’s guidelines.
Customers are allowed to carry no more than two power banks in their carry-on baggage only.
“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 said.
“We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”
Several airlines prohibit passengers from using or charging power banks because of severe fire hazards.
The lithium-ion batteries found inside many power banks pose a fire risk to aircraft and confined cabin spaces if damaged.
Glenn Bradley, the head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority, previously waned: “Lithium batteries power everything from vapes and mobile phones to cameras and power banks. 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.
“Correct handling reduces risk. Lithium batteries should be carried in your carry-on baggage. Power banks and spare batteries should also be in a cabin bag and should be completely turned off and not in standby mode.”
