A London-bound easyJet flight was diverted after a power bank was discovered in the hold.
Flight EZY2618 was heading to London Luton from Hurghada in Egypt on May 19 when a traveller notified cabin crew that they had left a portable charger in their hold luggage.
The plane, which was carrying 180 passengers at the time, was then forced to divert three hours into the journey, landing at Rome Fiumicino.
The flight was rescheduled to the following day at 2pm and passengers were provided with overnight accommodation.
Power banks and portable chargers are forbidden from hold luggage across many airlines due to the risk of overheating or short-circuiting, which could pose a fire and safety hazard on flights.
According to easyJet’s website, power banks are accepted on flights provided they do exceed the 160Wh for lithium batteries. They are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be used to charge other devices.
It is understood that this passenger was charging a mobile phone in their hold luggage.
One passenger, Paul Casterton, 57, told The Sun: “No one knew what to think. Suddenly the plane changed direction and made a descent. It was hard not to fear the worst.”
He added that the situation had been stressful, with many speculating the reason for diversion.
“Thank goodness it wasn't a bomb in the hold. Word spread as to the true reason we had been diverted. It was quite an ordeal, but mostly relief that everyone was OK,” he said.
A spokesperson for the airline told the Daily Mail: “Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton on 19 May diverted to Rome Fiumicino and was rescheduled to operate the following morning as the crew were informed that a power bank was charging in a passenger's luggage.
“The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations.
“The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely. We provided hotel accommodation and meals were available. We provided customers who stayed in the airport with refreshments.
“The safety of its customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”
The Standard has contacted easyJet for comment.
This is not the first time that power banks and portable chargers have caused chaos on board flights.
One caught on fire on an Air China A321 Airbus last year after overheating. Cabin crew were able to put the fire out and there were no reported injuries.
Another portage charger overheated on a KLM flight in August travelling from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Amsterdam.
Such incidents have prompted airlines to tighten restrictions on portable chargers. Some like Lufthansa have banned passengers from carrying power banks in checked luggage and have forbidden use on board aircrafts.
