A British Airways flight returned to London Gatwick after a passenger’s portable charger reportedly burst into flames in his pocket, leaving one man with burns and other passengers potentially suffering from smoke inhalation. The incident happened around 15 minutes after take-off, according to a passenger account reported by the London Standard.
Passengers reportedly heard someone shout “fire” before noticing a burning smell and flames further down the aircraft’s aisle. The emergency left no choice for cabin crew who had to tackle the blaze as alarm spread among those on board.
Passenger suffers burns as crew tackle fire
According to the passenger’s account, the power bank caught fire while inside a man’s pocket. British Airways confirmed that the aircraft returned to Gatwick after the incident. The airline lauded its crew for dealing with the emergency and apologised to passengers for the disruption to their travel plans.
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One passenger described the experience as the “scariest moment” of their life. The report said the man suffered burns and needed medical attention, while other passengers reportedly sought treatment over concerns about smoke inhalation.
The full extent of the injuries has not been independently confirmed in the available reporting. The flight number, aircraft type and intended destination have also not been established.
Why lithium battery fires are dangerous on planes
Portable chargers typically use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire if damaged or affected by an internal fault. In some cases, a battery can undergo a process known as thermal runaway, releasing intense heat, smoke and flammable gases.
An aircraft cabin presents particular challenges because smoke can affect passengers and crew in an enclosed space, while a burning battery can be difficult to extinguish completely. The incident follows another high-profile power-bank fire involving an easyJet flight at Milan Malpensa in September, when passengers evacuated using emergency slides after a charger overheated while the aircraft was taxiing.
What are the rules for power banks on flights?
British Airways restricts passengers to two power banks per person. They must be carried in hand baggage, must not be recharged using aircraft power supplies and must comply with the airline’s capacity and storage requirements.
Passengers flying from Spain should check their airline’s current rules before travelling, as restrictions can vary between carriers. Power banks remain a popular travel accessory, allowing passengers to recharge phones and other devices while away from a socket. However, repeated reports of battery fires are raising questions about whether existing restrictions are sufficient.
Is it time to ban power banks on planes?
Power banks are convenient, but a fire inside an aircraft cabin can put passengers and crew at risk within seconds. Should airlines impose tougher restrictions on portable chargers, or is a complete ban on power banks the only way to prevent similar incidents? Would you support a ban on power banks on flights, or do you think the existing rules are enough? Let us know in the comments below.