Portable chargers are causing a growing number of problems on flights, the UK aviation regulator has warned, as it urged passengers to follow airline safety rules on lithium-ion batteries.
Get today's headlines by email 
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said more awareness was needed about the risks linked to power banks, which can overheat or catch fire if damaged, poorly made or used incorrectly.
Jonathan Nicholson, from the CAA, said restrictions on carrying portable chargers were essential safety measures rather than unnecessary bureaucracy.
“It’s not somebody being pedantic or doing it for the sake of it,” he told BBC News, urging travellers to “do the right thing”.
Rules for carrying power banks
The warning follows an incident last week involving an EasyJet flight from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton that was diverted to Rome after a passenger reported a portable charger had been packed in checked luggage.
The aircraft landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport as a precaution and passengers were forced to stay overnight before continuing to London the next day.
Nicholson said international aviation rules require passengers to keep power banks in their carry-on luggage rather than in the aircraft hold.
He said passengers should also limit themselves to a maximum of two power banks and avoid using them during flights.
“Absolutely do not charge the power bank itself because that’s when they become really hot and most susceptible to having an issue,” he said.
The CAA plans to launch a joint awareness campaign with UK airlines this summer to explain the rules to holidaymakers and business travellers.
Incidents increasing worldwide
Nicholson said incidents involving power banks were “certainly on the rise” as portable chargers become more common, alongside devices such as vapes, which are also banned from checked luggage.
He pointed to research released last year by UL Standards & Engagement, a US-based safety organisation, which found airlines were experiencing an average of two “thermal runaway” incidents per week in 2024.
Thermal runaway refers to lithium-ion batteries overheating, potentially causing fires or explosions.
The data, collected from 37 passenger and cargo airlines, covered rechargeable devices including phones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
According to the organisation, incidents increased by 15% between 2019 and 2024.
Confusion among passengers
A CAA survey of 1,000 UK passengers conducted in November 2025 found that more than a third understood lithium battery rules existed but were unclear about the details.
Passengers aged over 55 were generally more familiar with the regulations.
Nicholson said power banks present greater risks than devices such as laptops or cameras because they contain larger, more powerful batteries that can generate significant heat.
“When they catch fire, they really go,” he said, adding that cabin crews receive specialist training to deal with battery fires.
He also urged people to handle portable chargers more carefully in everyday life, saying they are often thrown into bags and damaged more easily than mobile phones.
Nicholson advised consumers to buy higher-quality products where possible, warning that poorly made chargers and replacement batteries can carry greater safety risks.
Although airline guidance differs slightly between carriers, passengers are generally advised to store power banks under the seat in front of them rather than in overhead lockers.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 May 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment