The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a global safety review after power banks and vaping devices overtook traditional sources as the leading fire risk on commercial aircraft. New data shows lithium-ion batteries in portable chargers and e-cigarettes are responsible for a growing number of in-flight incidents, with cabin crews reporting at least 25 fires or smoke events linked to these devices in the last year alone.
For passengers, the risk is no longer just a theoretical one. Last month, a flight from Manchester to Tenerife was forced to make an emergency landing when a power bank in a passenger’s bag burst into flames. In another incident, a vape left in a checked suitcase ignited mid-air, filling the cargo hold with smoke. The Civil Aviation Authority says these devices are now the leading cause of fire-related emergencies, surpassing cooking equipment and even faulty wiring.
The review examines whether stricter rules are needed: potentially banning these items from cabins, limiting their capacity, or requiring them to be stored in fireproof bags. At present, power banks and vapes are allowed in hand luggage but not in the hold. But the rapid rise in usage – nearly 70% of UK adults own a vape or power bank – means the problem is escalating faster than regulators can keep up.
For working families, the news might hit the kitchen table in another way. A power bank costs a tenner on the high street; a vape, a few pounds more. These are essentials for many on the move, especially shift workers and tradespeople who rely on their phones all day. If the safety review leads to bans or restrictions, the cost of travel could rise, and so could the inconvenience. It is yet another hidden expense in an era where every penny counts.
Trade unions representing cabin crew have long called for tougher action. “Our members are dealing with these fires in confined spaces,” says a spokesperson for the Unite union. “It is not just about the device. It is about the seconds they have to react, and the lives of 200 people in their hands. We need a ban on all loose lithium batteries in the cabin, full stop.” The Association of Flight Attendants in the US has also backed tighter rules.
But the electronics industry warns against a blanket ban. “Lithium batteries are not going anywhere,” says a spokesperson for the UK Battery Trade Association. “We need better education and smarter design, not panic. A power bank is no more dangerous than a laptop if handled properly.” The Civil Aviation Authority’s review is expected to produce interim recommendations within three months, with final guidelines by the end of the year.
What this means on the ground: for the average passenger, the golden rule remains unchanged – never put a power bank or vape in checked luggage. But the review could change that. Some experts advocate for a total ban on any device with a lithium battery in the hold, which would include smartphones and laptops. That would be a major shift and would likely increase the time spent at security, as every bag would need to be checked.
Safety is non-negotiable. But so is the cost of travel. For those on low wages, a flight is already a luxury. Add in new restrictions or fees for extra bags, and the numbers stop adding up. The review must balance both: the real threat of fire at 35,000 feet, and the real burden on passengers who already scrimp and save.
For now, the message from the regulator is clear: treat your power bank with the same caution as a can of petrol. In a world where everything runs on batteries, that is a hard lesson to learn.
