- Airline passengers are being urged not to pack power banks in their hold luggage due to the fire risk ahead of the busy summer travel period.
- Power banks and vapes have been identified as the biggest safety threat to aircraft, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled from 123 in 2024 to 206 last year.
- Cases of lithium battery-powered devices being incorrectly packed in hold luggage rose 91% over the same period.
- A survey indicated that 36% of passengers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries in checked baggage.
- The CAA has launched a campaign urging travelers to pack right for a safe flight to prevent lithium battery fires on board.
- Rechargeable lithium batteries can pose a fire risk that could be uncontrollable if packed in checked baggage.
- The CAA emphasized that if each passenger carried four different lithium-powered devices, there could be more than 2,000 on a busy Airbus A380 flight.
Airline passengers are facing increased fire risks from lithium battery-powered devices, particularly power banks and vapes, as incidents of overheating have surged.12347
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reported that cases of overheating devices nearly doubled from 123 in 2024 to 206 in 2025.
Additionally, incidents of lithium battery-powered devices incorrectly packed in hold luggage rose by 91%, from 316 to 643 cases.
The CAA has urged travelers to carry these devices in the cabin rather than in checked baggage, emphasizing that “flying is by far the safest way to travel” and that prevention starts with proper packing.
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the CAA, stated, “Pack right for a safe flight and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you.”56
A survey revealed that 36% of passengers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries in checked baggage, highlighting a significant knowledge gap.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, noted, “Flying is the safest form of travel, but as the number of electronic devices we use increases, the risk of lithium battery incidents is a growing challenge.”
The CAA's warning comes as around two lithium-battery-related incidents occur each week, underscoring the urgency of the situation as the busy summer travel season approaches.
“The Civil Aviation Authority has urged airline passengers to avoid packing power banks in hold luggage due to fire risks. Reports indicate that incidents involving overheating devices have nearly doubled, highlighting a growing safety concern.”
The Independent
