EasyJet Flight Diverts to Rome After Power Bank Found Charging in Luggage
EasyJet Flight Diverts to Rome After Power Bank Found Charging in Luggage
An EasyJet flight to London was forced to land in Rome after a power bank was found charging in the hold. Safety rules for lithium batteries are no joke!
Passengers on an EasyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton got an unexpected stopover in Italy this week. The flight, EZY2618, was forced to divert to Rome after a safety concern involving a power bank was raised mid-air.
The situation began nearly three hours into the journey while the plane was cruising at 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea. A passenger reportedly informed the cabin crew that she had left a portable power bank charging a phone inside her suitcase, which was stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold. In response, the captain made the swift decision to land at Rome Fiumicino Airport as a precaution, in line with strict safety regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries.
While no fire or technical issue occurred, airline rules are very clear: power banks are strictly prohibited in checked luggage and must only be carried in cabin bags. Furthermore, they are not allowed to be used to charge devices during the flight. These rules exist because lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk that is difficult to manage if it occurs in the cargo hold.
After touching down safely in Rome, the flight was rescheduled for the following day. EasyJet provided hotel accommodations and meals for the stranded passengers, though some spent part of the night in the airport terminal. The airline apologized for the disruption but emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew is always the highest priority.
This incident serves as a major reminder for travelers to double-check their bags before heading to the airport. Most airlines limit passengers to two power banks, which must not exceed specific capacity limits and must stay with you in the cabin at all times.
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