EasyJet Diverts Flight from Hurghada to Rome After Passengers Flout Lithium-Ion Power Bank Rules – Airports in London, Rome, and Across Europe Tighten Safety

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An EasyJet flight from Hurghada to London was forced to land in Rome after an EasyJet flight diverted incident occurred. In this instance, the passenger was using a lithium-ion power bank. This event marks the beginning of a stricter enforcement for EasyJet flight deviation for power bank use in 2026. Power bank use is becoming a global airline incident with the FAA and ICAO mandating stricter regulations on the use and transportation of lithium batteries and power banks. One of the most fire-reluctant regulations of the FAA is the enforcement to carry power banks in cabin luggage. This restricts the use of power banks during the flight. In the interest of the safety of the passengers, this incident has proven how strictly airlines are beginning to implement this power bank regulation.

Impact of the EasyJet Flight Diversion on Travelers

The diversion of Flight EZY2618 shows the growing importance that all airlines and regulatory bodies have placed on ensuring travel safety from the increased threat of lithium-ion power bank batteries. Aviation regulatory authorities, including the FAA (U.S.) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), now require that:

• Power banks and spare batteries may only be stowed in carry-on baggage.
• Charging of power banks is in-flight prohibited.
• Batteries must be kept visible and accessible.

The intent of these regulations is to address the threat posed by the potentially catastrophic failure mode of heat and smoke runaway of lithium battery cells, which is more easily managed in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, than in the aircraft’s cargo hold.

Global Restrictions on the Use of Power Banks and Lithium Batteries on Flights

In 2026, the growing safety concerns regarding lithium‑ion batteries caused changes to international airline and civil aviation policies. Examples of these changes are:

• New restrictions by ICAO state each passenger is only allowed to carry two power banks and charging will not be allowed during the flight.
• All U.S. carriers, including Southwest and American Airlines, are implementing their own restrictions on the maximum number of portable chargers a passenger is allowed and on the way portable chargers may be stored.
• Singapore Airlines has allowed power banks to be stored in cabin baggage, under the seat or in the seat pocket, and not in overhead cabin baggage, and no charging during the flight.
• Restrictions of in-flight charging with the power bank and storing the power bank in overhead cabin baggage have been implemented by India’s DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).

The changes being made across continents indicates a common safety concern and are being supported by aviation regulators and carriers.

What This Means for Airline Safety and the Travel Industry

Safer Skies But Increased Enforcement

Lithium‑ion batteries are an integral part to modern travel due to their role in powering many electronic devices and medical equipment, however, they can pose a fire risk. It has become an internationally implemented aviation rule that:

• Power banks must be Carry-on baggage only.
• There are upper limits on power bank capacity which usually cannot be greater than 100 Wh (without approval) or 101–160 Wh (with airline approval).

No checked baggage storage for spare batteries or chargers

These protocols are in place to limit situations like the Air Busan fire, leading to industry-wide changes for lithium battery safety.

Operational and Passenger Impacts

Intensified safety measures place new obligations on airlines, including:

• Increased screens during check-in and security.
• Added diversions and delays if safety violations are detected during the flight.
• Briefings and safety educational sessions for flight crews and passengers.

While these changes may result a slight increase in the operational costs for the airlines, these measures are designed to improve the safety of the flights and minimizes the associated risks.

The New Travel Packing Rules for 2026

Adapt a new packing strategy to avoid delays and ensure boarding:

• Pack all spare batteries in carry-on bags.
• Power banks are not to be checked, even if not in use.
• Each person is limited to two power banks.
• Power banks are not to be used during the flight.

Adhering to these instructions will help minimize the safety risks as well as the travel interruptions.

Airports and Airlines Leading Enforcement in 2026

The following carriers and airports are some of the first to enforce the newly established power bank and lithium battery policies.

• EasyJet — Diversion of Rome Fiumicino flight due to power bank safety violation
• Southwest Airlines — Passengers are limited to one portable charger with no in-bin storage.
• Singapore Airlines — Passengers may only carry Portable Charger on board with no in-flight use.
• U.S. Carriers (American, Delta, United) — Implementing ICAO’s global limit policies.

These policies reflect a global safety shift that aviation regulators support, rather than purely internal airline policies.

What Travelers Should Do

• Review airline/airport policies as rules regarding power banks/unapproved device policies may differ.
• Ensure bags do not have battery powered devices in checked bags.
• Be aware of the power bank watt-hour rating, as banks over 100 Wh may need airline permission.
• Consider the need to charge power banks before/after flights as in-flight charging of power banks is generally not allowed.
• If in doubt about a device policy during check-in, ask an airline employee.

Benefits

Implementing these recommendations will help you avoid the risk of a disruptive flight and assist with travel plans.

What You Want to Know

Q1: Can power banks be taken on flights?
Power banks can only be a part of carry-on bags as they are subject to power/size restrictions. They cannot be a part of checked luggage and must be off during the flight.

Q2: What are the consequences of breaking the rules regarding power banks?
The consequence of breaking the rules regarding lithium-ion batteries could be the delay of a flight or a diversion for safety, and you could be fined or the device may be taken.

Q3: Are power banks illegal everywhere?
Power banks are not banned everywhere as they can be taken on flights, but are subject to rules where they may only be carry-on luggage, may not be charged during the flight, and may not exceed a power rating.

An EasyJet flight diverted from Hurghada to Rome after a passenger used a power bank, highlighting stricter lithium-ion safety rules.

Author’s Observation

The EasyJet diversion demonstrates a shift within the industry toward more proactive safety enforcement regarding the confirmed dangers of lithium-ion batteries. With the increasing use of electronic devices, airlines and regulators are weighing consumer convenience against the necessity of protecting passenger safety. The burden of adopting these safety measures will fall heaviest on travelers, who will be best protected by remaining informed, altering their packaging, and actively participating with airline safety updates and protocol in order to minimize unnecessary complications.

By using confirmed aviation safety and regulatory data, this report aims to provide real, manageable advice in the face of the developing 2026 flight legislation.