The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reported that nearly 650 incidents of lithium batteries being packed in hold luggage occurred last year, double the number from 2024. This surge in rule-breaking has led to flight diversions and increased safety risks, as lithium batteries are now considered the biggest fire threat to aircraft.
Rising Incidents and Fire Risks
According to the CAA, the number of devices found in hold bags has nearly doubled in a year, with the average passenger now carrying four lithium-powered devices on a flight. Common items include laptops, vapes, power banks, mobile phones, and smart watches. When these batteries malfunction, they can ignite fires that are difficult to control and spread rapidly.
In the past year, 206 reports of batteries overheating or malfunctioning were recorded, up significantly from previous years. The CAA warns that fires in the cabin can be detected and managed, but fires in the hold may not be spotted until it is too late.
Flight Diversions and Safety Measures
Last month, an easyJet flight had to be diverted after a power bank was packed in the hold. In October, video footage showed a fire aboard an Air China flight, highlighting the dangers. The CAA emphasizes that two lithium battery incidents now occur every week, causing delays and endangering passengers.
Passenger Guidance
The CAA reminds passengers to take items like mobile phones, vapes, and power banks on board in the cabin. Only two power banks per person are allowed on a flight, and they must never be charged onboard. Laptops placed in checked luggage should be turned off completely.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, stated: "Whilst pilots and cabin crew are trained to deal with any situation the best outcome is always prevention, which starts when passengers pack their bags."
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, added: "When these products are packed in your baggage, there is no access to them. So if something goes wrong, they can cause a really devastating fire that can have real dangerous consequences." He stressed the importance of only bringing safe, tested products on holiday.
