Overview
- The GPIAAF investigation, covering an incident on February 8th, confirms an e‑cigarette in a passenger’s hand luggage ignited shortly after takeoff from London‑Gatwick.
- Cabin crew smelled burning at about 3,000 meters, reached the rear overhead bin, and put out the fire with a handheld extinguisher.
- Pilots turned the Airbus A320 back and landed 14 minutes after departure, and the same aircraft continued to Porto later that day after a safety check.
- The report notes several worried passengers stood up and blocked the aisle during the scare, which briefly slowed the crew’s access to the source of the smoke.
- Authorities and news outlets are using the case to restate rules for lithium‑ion devices, urging travelers to keep e‑cigarettes and power banks in carry‑on and fully switched off.