EasyJet flight diverts to Rome after power bank found in checked luggage

An EasyJet flight was forced to divert to Rome after a power bank was discovered in a passenger's checked luggage. Airlines have increasingly tightened regulations on lithium battery devices, typically requiring them to be kept in cabin baggage only. The incident highlights the growing safety concerns around portable chargers in air travel.

An EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome after crew members discovered a power bank stored in a passenger's checked luggage, raising immediate safety concerns onboard. The diversion was prompted by aviation safety protocols that treat lithium-ion batteries in the hold as a potential fire hazard.

Power banks contain lithium-ion cells that can overheat, short-circuit, or in rare cases catch fire — a risk that is considered far more manageable in a plane's cabin, where crew can respond quickly, than in an inaccessible cargo hold. This is why aviation authorities around the world have long recommended, and many airlines now strictly require, that portable chargers travel in hand luggage only.

EasyJet is among several carriers that have toughened their stance on power banks in recent years, reflecting broader industry-wide moves to reduce the risk of in-flight fires. Passengers who ignore these rules — whether knowingly or through oversight — can trigger costly diversions and delays affecting everyone on board.

The Rome diversion serves as a reminder for travellers to double-check their packing before flying. Any device containing a lithium battery, including power banks, laptops, and e-cigarettes, should always be placed in carry-on baggage and never placed inside checked suitcases.