An EasyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton was diverted to Rome on Tuesday night. The flight, EZY2618, landed in the Italian capital as a safety precaution. A passenger’s power bank was found to be charging in the aircraft’s hold. This incident led to the unscheduled diversion.
The flight captain made the decision due to safety regulations. A passenger had alerted the crew during the journey. Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can pose a fire risk. Many airlines now have strict rules about where power banks can be stored. They are often required to be in hand luggage, not checked baggage. This is to make them easier to manage if a problem arises.
This event fits into a broader global concern about battery safety on aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organisation, a United Nations agency, updated its rules for power banks in March 2026. This reflects growing awareness of the dangers. There have been past incidents involving power banks. A man was injured in Melbourne in November 2025. A power bank in his pocket caught fire. In January 2025, a power bank was suspected of causing a plane fire in South Korea.
EasyJet's own rules state power banks must travel in cabin baggage only. They are prohibited from being used to charge other devices on board. Customers can carry a maximum of two power banks. These must not exceed 160 Watt-hour (Wh) capacity. They also need individual protection. Other airlines, like Ryanair and British Airways, have similar restrictions.
The diverted EasyJet flight landed safely in Rome. Passengers were then rescheduled for a flight the next day. EasyJet provided hotel accommodation and meals where possible. The airline apologised for the inconvenience. The incident underscores the critical importance airlines place on passenger and crew safety. Future travel may see even tighter controls on personal electronic devices and their power sources.