EasyJet London flight forced to divert to Rome after power bank charging in passenger’s luggage

An EasyJet flight bound for London was diverted to Rome after a passenger alerted the crew to a power bank being charged in someone’s luggage.

The airline company said that the redirection was made as a precaution and the flight was postponed to the next day.

Flight EZY2618 took off from Hurghada, Egypt, and was due to land at Luton airport early on Wednesday. Instead, Rome landed in Fiumicino, where the passengers were put up in hotels to spend the night.

A spokesman told The Independent: “The captain then decided to change course as a precaution in line with safety regulations.

“The plane landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely. We also provided hotel accommodation and meals where possible. Some customers were offered refreshments for staying at the airport.”

Passengers are not allowed to use or charge portable chargers on EasyJet flights and are required to protect the devices in separate packaging per the carrier’s instructions.

Customers are not allowed to carry more than two power banks in their hand luggage.

“The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet’s top priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict accordance with all manufacturers’ instructions,” the spokesman said.

“We apologize to all passengers for the inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”

Some airlines prohibit passengers from using or charging portable chargers due to serious fire hazards.

The lithium-ion batteries found in many portable chargers pose a fire risk to aircraft and enclosed cabin areas if damaged.

Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority, previously said: “Lithium batteries power everything from e-cigarettes to mobile phones, cameras to power banks. If they fail or become damaged, they can cause an intense fire in both the cabin and the boot of the aircraft that is difficult to extinguish.”

“Proper use reduces the risk. Lithium batteries should be carried in your hand luggage. Power banks and spare batteries should also be in the cabin bag and completely turned off, not in standby mode.”