The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of portable power banks on aircraft, as several major airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI tighten restrictions on the devices. The move follows a surge in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries overheating or catching fire mid-flight, prompting a UK-bound easyJet flight to be diverted to Rome last week after a passenger reported a power bank in hold luggage.
Growing Concern Over Lithium Battery Risks
Jonathan Nicholson of the CAA told the BBC that more awareness is needed, describing portable chargers as carrying “serious risks” of thermal runaway—a rapid, uncontrollable temperature increase leading to fire and toxic fumes. He stressed that rules prohibiting power banks in checked baggage are not “somebody being pedantic” but essential safety measures. A CAA survey of 1,000 UK passengers in November 2025 found that over a third know lithium batteries exist but are unsure of the rules, with over-55s generally better informed.
Airline Policies Compared
Ryanair allows up to 15 personal electronic devices, including power banks, in carry-on luggage only. Spare lithium batteries must be individually protected against short circuits and carried in the cabin, not in overhead bins. Devices over 100Wh are prohibited except for electric wheelchair batteries.
easyJet requires all lithium-ion batteries, spare batteries, and power banks to be in hand luggage. Power banks under 100Wh (approx. 27,000mAh) are permitted without approval; those between 100-160Wh need airline consent. Smart luggage with non-removable batteries is not accepted for checked baggage. Passengers are limited to 15 portable electronic devices.
TUI forbids loose lithium batteries, power banks, or spare batteries in checked luggage. They must be in hand luggage, with terminals protected from short circuits. Capacity is generally limited to 100Wh, and devices cannot be recharged onboard. Dry AA(A) batteries are allowed if properly packaged or inside devices.
Global Trend and Enforcement
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Emirates have also banned power banks from checked baggage, with Emirates requiring them to be switched off and stored under the seat, not in overhead bins, effective October. The CAA’s Nicholson noted that incidents involving power banks are “certainly on the rise” as their popularity grows, alongside vapes, which are also prohibited in checked luggage. Passengers are urged to follow three basic rules: carry power banks in the cabin, limit to two per person, and never use or recharge them during flight to avoid overheating.
