Overview
- Flight EZY2618, which diverted on May 19, landed safely at Rome Fiumicino after cabin crew were told a passenger had a power bank charging a device in checked baggage and the captain diverted as a precaution.
- EasyJet said passengers disembarked normally, were given hotel rooms and meals where needed, and most were rescheduled to return to London the next day.
- International and national authorities now stress that power banks must travel in carry‑on bags, that passengers may take no more than two spare power banks, and that recharging them on board is prohibited.
- Safety experts warn lithium‑ion cells can enter a rapid, uncontrollable overheating called thermal runaway, and FAA figures show hundreds of battery‑related smoke, fire or extreme‑heat incidents on flights through February 2026.
- Airlines have tightened and in some cases banned onboard use, storage in overhead lockers or carriage in checked luggage, a shift that regulators say will require clearer passenger messaging and could cause more precautionary diversions and overnight delays.