Portable charger problems on flights 'on the rise', watchdog warns

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Portable charger problems on flights 'on the rise', watchdog warns13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleEwan SomervilleGetty ImagesPower banks are not allowed in checked luggagePower banks are causing a growing number of serious issues on flights worldwide, the UK's aviation regulator has warned as it encouraged passengers to check the rules. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said "more awareness" was needed as portable chargers carry "serious risks" of overheating or catching fire. Jonathan Nicholson from the CAA told News that restrictions such as not putting the devices in checked luggage were not "somebody being pedantic" or "for the sake of it", with passengers urged "to do the right thing".

It comes after a UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome last week because a passenger had packed a charging power bank in hold luggage. Nicholson said the "basic set of international rules" all passengers must follow on power banks are:Take them with you on board the aircraft, not in checked luggageA maximum of two power banks per passengerWhen on board the aircraft, don't use them and "absolutely do not charge the power bank itself because that's when they become really hot and most susceptible to having an issue"The CAA is planning to launch a campaign this summer with UK airlines to explain what the rules are and why, for those going on their holidays and business travellers. Last week, EasyJet flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton changed course to land in Rome Fiumicino as a "precaution" after a passenger told crew members that a portable charger was in the aircraft's hold.

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Passengers had to stay overnight until a rescheduled flight to London the next day. Nicholson said incidents involving power banks were "certainly on the rise" as portable chargers grow in popularity, alongside vapes which are not allowed in checked luggage either. CAAJonathan Nicholson of the CAA suggested passengers charge up their devices before boarding planesHe pointed to data released last June by UL Standards & Engagement, a US-based non-profit safety organisation, which said there were two flights per week on average in 2024 with a "thermal runway incident".

This means lithium-ion batteries overheating - posing serious fire risks. The data was compiled through voluntary reporting by 37 passenger and cargo airlines, and covers all rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries such as power banks, phones, tablets and laptops. There was a 15% rise in incidents between 2019, when the organisation began collecting data, and 2024.

A survey by the CAA of 1,000 UK passengers in November 2025 suggested more than a third know what lithium batteries are and are aware rules exist, but are unsure what the rules involve. Over-55s typically knew the rules better. Explaining why the rules are so strict, Nicholson said that compared to the likes of digital cameras and laptops, "power banks have a much bigger battery, much stronger and get a lot hotter".

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.