Overview
- Flight EZY2618, which left Hurghada for Luton, diverted to Rome Fiumicino on May 19 after crew were told a passenger had a power bank charging in checked luggage.
- Crew alerted the captain mid‑flight and he announced there was “something we shouldn’t have in the hold,” a terse message that alarmed passengers until the aircraft landed safely.
- EasyJet said the diversion was a precaution taken in line with safety rules and that passengers were provided with hotel rooms, meals or refreshments and onward travel where available.
- Regulators and carriers ban or restrict lithium‑ion power banks in checked baggage because a battery fire in the cargo hold can go undetected and is hard to suppress; easyJet limits carry‑on battery capacity to devices up to 160Wh under its rules.
- The episode highlights how short in‑flight announcements can heighten fear, shows the operational cost of safety diversions, and reinforces the industry practice of keeping spare and charging batteries in the cabin rather than checked luggage.