EasyJet Flight Diverted to Rome Instead of London Luton in Mid-Air Safety Scare

An easyJet flight bound for London Luton diverted to Rome Fiumicino after a power bank was found charging in a passenger's hold luggage, leaving nearly 180 holidaymakers stranded overnight. ​​​​​​​

During the flight, a female passenger informed a cabin crew member that she had left a power bank charging inside her checked luggage stored in the aircraft's hold. The captain immediately diverted the flight to Rome Fiumicino Airport as a precautionary measure, in full compliance with aviation safety regulations.

For passengers on board, the sudden and unannounced change of course was deeply unsettling. With no immediate explanation given, many feared the worst as the plane began its unexpected descent over Italy. It was only after landing that travellers were told the true reason behind the diversion. One passenger described the moment, saying the plane had suddenly changed direction and begun descending, adding it was hard not to fear the worst. He later described the experience as quite an ordeal, though he acknowledged the relief felt once the cause became clear.​​​​​​​

To most travellers, a power bank is an everyday essential. In aviation, however, lithium-ion batteries are treated as a significant safety risk and for good reason.

When a lithium-ion battery overheats, it can trigger a process known as thermal runaway, a rapid and uncontrollable rise in temperature that can lead to fire. The key concern in this case is location. In the passenger cabin, crew members are trained to detect and respond to battery fires promptly. In the hold, however, a fire can develop completely undetected, making the situation far more difficult and dangerous to manage.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority and aviation regulators worldwide strictly require that power banks and spare lithium batteries be carried in hand luggage. Packing them in checked baggage is prohibited without exception.​​​​​​​

EasyJet confirmed the diversion and issued an official apology to affected passengers. In a statement, the airline said the flight diverted to Rome Fiumicino after the crew was informed a power bank was charging in the hold luggage, and that the captain diverted as a precaution in line with safety regulations. The airline confirmed that safety remains its highest priority and apologised for the inconvenience caused to all passengers on board.​​​​​​​

This incident is a timely reminder of the rules around flying with electronic devices. Always pack power banks and portable chargers in your hand luggage, never in your suitcase or checked bag. Spare lithium batteries carry the same restriction. No device should be left charging unattended inside any bag once you are at the airport or on board.

A few moments of preparation before departure can prevent serious disruption for yourself and every other passenger sharing the flight.​​​​​​​

At Crystal Travel, our expert travel agents are here to guide you through every aspect of your trip, from booking to boarding.