Power bank triggers emergency landing of EasyJet flight to Rome

A UK-bound EasyJet flight from Manchester Airport was diverted to Rome Fiumicino Airport late Tuesday after a passenger’s portable charger was found charging inside checked luggage, prompting smoke alarms and a precautionary emergency landing.

The Airbus A320, operating flight EZY8472, was en route to London Gatwick when the incident occurred. Passengers reported smelling an unusual odor and hearing alarms shortly after takeoff. Crew members immediately contacted air traffic control, declaring a precautionary diversion due to a potential fire risk.

Upon landing, Italian fire crews boarded the aircraft and conducted a thorough inspection. No fire was found, but investigators discovered that a lithium-ion power bank in a passenger’s checked bag had been charging during the flight. Under current aviation regulations, spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage only and never in checked baggage.

Italian aviation authorities, including the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), have launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson confirmed that the passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, is cooperating with authorities. The airline has issued a statement emphasizing strict adherence to lithium battery safety protocols.

An EasyJet spokesperson stated: “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are working closely with ENAC to review this incident and reinforce safety measures.” The airline has not confirmed whether the passenger will face penalties, but unauthorized carriage of lithium batteries in checked luggage can result in fines up to €2,000 under EU aviation safety regulations.

This is the second such incident involving lithium batteries on EasyJet flights in the past 12 months, raising concerns about passenger awareness of aviation safety rules. In a similar case last August, a flight from Bristol to Amsterdam was diverted to Paris after a power bank in checked luggage triggered a smoke alarm. Investigators at the time noted a lack of clarity in airline passenger information regarding battery carriage rules.

EasyJet has since updated its passenger information to include clearer warnings about lithium battery carriage, with a dedicated section on its website and in-flight announcements. Aviation experts warn that improper handling of lithium batteries remains a critical safety concern, especially as their use in personal devices continues to rise globally.