The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued an emergency directive banning lithium-powered devices, including vapes and power banks, from airline passenger cabins effective immediately. The ruling follows a classified safety assessment that identified a heightened risk of catastrophic thermal runaway events during flight. The ban applies to all commercial flights departing from UK airports, with violators facing potential prosecution under the Air Navigation Order 2016.
Industry sources confirm that the decision was prompted by three near-disastrous incidents in the past six months where lithium battery fires in cabin baggage required emergency diversion. The directive supersedes earlier guidelines permitting devices up to 100 watt-hours. Passengers are now required to transport all such items in checked luggage, where fire containment systems are more robust.
The Department for Transport is expected to issue a formal consultation on permanent restrictions within the fortnight.
