Power bank charging in hold forces easyJet flight emergency landing in Rome

EasyJet passengers endured a night of disruption after a phone charger in checked luggage provoked an emergency landing.

Passengers on board flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton faced an unexpected change of course on May 19. Crew members received a report that a power bank continued charging a mobile phone inside a suitcase in the aircraft hold.

The captain acts on the safety protocol

The crew alerted the captain immediately upon learning of the situation. Following standard aviation procedures, the flight diverted to Rome Fiumicino Airport and touched down at 11.30pm local time. Around 180 passengers expressed shock when the captain announced over the intercom that something entirely unsuitable was in the hold.

Many spent the night in hotels or at the terminal, as the next connection to Luton departed only at 2pm the following day. One passenger, Paul Casterton, contacted the Sun newspaper to described the anxiety during the descent and subsequent relief once the reason became clear.

Previous battery incidents show a pattern

Similar events have occurred in European airspace before. Scandinavian Airlines dealt with a power bank overheating in the cabin during a flight in Norway earlier in 2026, resulting in smoke and an emergency landing. Another case involved a lithium battery igniting in a passenger bag at Oslo Airport, forcing an evacuation.

Why power banks in luggage create deadly risk

Lithium-ion batteries inside power banks can enter thermal runaway when charging unattended or when damaged. This process generates intense heat, flammable gases, and fire that spreads rapidly and is extremely difficult to extinguish. In the aircraft hold, crew members lack immediate access to extinguish flames or contain smoke. A fire in this area could overwhelm suppression systems and compromise the entire aircraft within minutes.

Aviation authorities, including EASA, therefore insist that all power banks travel in cabin baggage only. Passengers must never charge devices in checked luggage or anywhere on the plane. EasyJet confirmed the diversion followed safety rules, with the airline apologising for the inconvenience while stressing that passenger safety comes first.

Travel advice for avoiding problems

Passengers should always place power banks in hand luggage and avoid charging them during flights. This simple step prevents unnecessary diversions and potential disasters at altitude.