Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
An EasyJet flight heading to the UK was unexpectedly redirected to Rome after a power bank was discovered charging inside a passenger’s checked luggage. The flight, EZY2618, was traveling from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton when the incident occurred on Tuesday night.
According to the airline, the pilot chose to divert the aircraft to Rome Fiumicino as a precautionary measure, following safety protocols. This decision was made after a passenger informed the crew about the portable charger being charged in the aircraft’s hold. Due to the potential fire risk lithium-ion batteries pose, many airlines strictly prohibit power banks from being stored in the checked baggage and require that they remain switched off and located in carry-on luggage throughout the flight.
FlightRadar24 data shows that nearly three hours into the journey, while cruising at 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea, the plane made a sudden left turn and touched down in Rome approximately 20 minutes later. Fortunately, the power bank itself was not reported to have any faults. However, regulations forbidding power banks from charging in checked bags were the reason behind the precautionary landing.
EasyJet released a statement saying, “The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely and we provided hotel accommodation and meals where available. As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.” The airline emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority and apologised for any disruption caused by the diversion and delay. EasyJet policy specifies that power banks may only be carried in cabin baggage, must not be used to charge other devices on board, and are limited to a maximum of two per passenger with a capacity not exceeding 160 Watt-hours. Similar safety protocols are in place at other major airlines, reflecting the recognized fire hazard associated with lithium-ion batteries, which has prompted recent global regulatory restrictions
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.