A UK-bound EasyJetEasyJet flight was forced to divert to Rome after a power bank was discovered charging inside a passenger’s checked luggage, the airline has confirmed.
Flight EZY2618, which was travelling from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton, was rerouted to the Italian capital on Tuesday night as a “precaution”.
According to the airline, the captain took the decision to divert “in line with safety regulations” after cabin crew were alerted mid-flight that a portable charger had been placed in the aircraft’s hold while it was still powered on.
The aircraft landed safely at Rome Fiumicino Airport and passengers later continued their journey the following day after arrangements were made.
Tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the plane cruising at around 36,000 feet nearly three hours into its journey over the Adriatic Sea before it made a sudden left turn and headed for Rome, landing about 20 minutes later.
Although there was no reported malfunction with the device itself, aviation rules prohibit power banks from being charged in the aircraft hold during flight due to lithium-ion safety concerns.
An EasyJet spokesperson said, “The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely and we provided hotel accommodation and meals where available. As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.
“The safety of its passengers and crew is EasyJet’s highest priority and EasyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.
“We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.”
Under EasyJet’s policy, power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and are “prohibited from use” and “must not be used to charge other devices”.
Passengers are also limited to two units each, with a maximum capacity of 160 Watt-hour (Wh), and the devices must be individually protected, such as in original packaging or a plastic bag.
Other carriers have tightened similar rules. Ryanair bans power banks in checked baggage and overhead storage and prohibits their use for charging devices during taxi, take-off, or landing.
British Airways sets a lower limit of 100Wh and requires them to be kept in seat pockets or under the seat, while also banning their use in onboard power outlets.
The restrictions are linked to the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or ignite, with incidents easier to manage in the cabin than in the aircraft hold.
The International Civil Aviation OrganisationInternational Civil Aviation Organisation introduced updated restrictions on power banks in March.
In recent years, there have been several safety incidents involving such devices, including a case in November 2025 at Melbourne International Airport where a passenger suffered burns after a lithium power bank in his pocket ignited.
In another incident in January 2025, investigators in South Korea linked a plane fire that injured three people to a portable power bank.
