EasyJet Flight Diverts to Rome After Power Bank Charged in Checked Luggage

On May 18/19, EasyJet flight EZY2618 departed Hurghada for London Luton. About three-and-a-half hours into the cruise at 36,000 feet, crew learned a passenger’s power bank was charging in checked baggage. The captain diverted the Airbus A320-200 to Rome-Fiumicino, landing at 11:33 p.m.; passengers were re-booked for the next day.

"Something We Shouldn't Have In The Hold": Charging Power Bank Diverts easyJet FlightEasyJet London-bound flight diverts to Rome over power bank in luggageFlight from Egypt to London diverted to Rome after passenger was found using power bankBBC NewsCNNUSA Today

In March 2026 ICAO capped passengers at two power banks and prohibited in-flight charging. The UK CAA applies the same rule, mandating cabin-bag storage, protection and power-off. Ryanair, British Airways and South Korean carriers also ban charging, a response to the 2025 Air Busan fire.

CNN

The FAA reports 563 lithium-ion battery incidents on commercial flights from March 2006 to February 2026, including 230 battery-pack events. These incidents explain regulators’ tightened power-bank policies.

CNN

EasyJet gave hotel rooms, meals and refreshments, and re-booked travelers for the next day. Some passengers stayed at the airport. A passenger reported that the captain announced a prohibited item was in the hold, noting that many were initially uncertain about the reason. Passengers spent the night in hotels before the replacement flight left the next day.

"Something We Shouldn't Have In The Hold": Charging Power Bank Diverts easyJet Flight

EasyJet emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its highest priority and that it adheres to manufacturers’ guidelines. The airline apologized, confirmed hotel and meal provision, and noted no safety incident occurred during the diversion. CAA head Glenn Bradley warned that mishandled lithium batteries can cause “an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish, both in the cabin or the hold of an aircraft.”

The Independent

Passengers reported confusion and inconvenience, with some opting for other airlines rather than wait for EasyJet’s rescheduled service. No formal criticism appeared. Sources differ on the departure date: CNN and ICAO list May 18, while USA TODAY and Simple Flying cite May 19. No fire or battery failure was observed, leaving the risk unverified.

USA Today

• “A spokesperson told The Independent: “The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations.” — EasyJet spokesperson

The Independent

• “The safety of its customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines,” — EasyJet spokesperson

CNN

• “If they become faulty or damaged, they can cause an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish, both in the cabin or the hold of an aircraft.” — Glenn Bradley, Head of Flight Operations, UK Civil Aviation Authority

The Independent

• “something we shouldn’t have in the hold,” — Paul Casterton, passenger

"Something We Shouldn't Have In The Hold": Charging Power Bank Diverts easyJet Flight