The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a warning to airline passengers about the dangers of packing power banks in hold luggage. This caution comes as reports of overheating devices have surged, nearly doubling in the past year. Faulty lithium batteries, commonly found in power banks, pose a significant fire risk, especially when stored in checked baggage where access is limited for flight crews.
With a notable increase in incidents—91% more cases of lithium battery-powered devices being improperly packed—the CAA is urging travellers to keep these devices in the cabin. A recent survey revealed that 36% of passengers are unaware of the risks associated with packing batteries in checked bags, highlighting a critical gap in public knowledge.
Giancarlo Buono, CAA’s director of aviation safety, emphasised the importance of proper packing for a safer flight experience. He advised that passengers should take their batteries into the cabin to mitigate risks for themselves and others on board. The average traveller carries about four lithium-powered devices, which can lead to over 2,000 devices on a busy flight, increasing the potential for incidents.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, acknowledged the growing challenge posed by lithium batteries in aviation. While crews are trained to handle emergencies, prevention through informed packing is the best strategy to ensure safety during flights.
Source: LBC News
