As millions of holidaymakers prepare to jet off for the summer, aviation authorities are sounding the alarm on a fast-growing threat: lithium battery fires from power banks and portable chargers. The number of dangerous goods incidents involving these devices in aircraft cargo holds has nearly doubled in the past year, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Lithium battery fires are now the number one safety risk to aircraft, surpassing bird strikes and mechanical failures in terms of frequency and potential severity. And yet—despite repeated warnings—travelers keep tossing power banks into checked luggage, where a single spark can ignite a catastrophic blaze at 35,000 feet.
The Numbers Are Staggering
In 2023, IATA recorded 1,245 incidents involving lithium batteries in air cargo and passenger baggage globally. That’s up from 672 in 2022. The sharpest spike came in the first quarter of 2024, with 387 reported cases—a 91% increase year-over-year. Most involved power banks found in hold bags, despite clear regulations banning them there.
“We’re seeing a perfect storm,” says Dr. Emily Hartfield, aviation safety researcher at the University of Cambridge. “The power bank market has exploded—global sales hit $24.6 billion in 2023—and passengers simply aren’t aware that these devices must travel in cabin baggage, not the hold.”
The problem is physics. Lithium-ion batteries contain highly flammable electrolytes. If damaged, short-circuited, or overheated, they can enter thermal runaway—a chain reaction that produces intense heat (up to 900°C) and toxic gases. In the confined cargo hold, there’s no crew to spot the smoke, and halon fire extinguishers may not fully suppress a lithium fire.
Why This Summer Is Different
The summer 2024 travel season is shaping up to be the busiest since pre-pandemic. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) projects 68 million passengers will pass through British airports between June and September. That’s 12% more than last year. More passengers mean more devices—and more opportunities for something to go wrong.
Ryanair, the budget carrier that recently reluctantly scrapped its £8 fee for parents sitting with kids, has seen a 45% jump in confiscated power banks at security checkpoints since January. EasyJet reports similar figures. The devices are being caught at screening, but the trend worries regulators.
“The real concern is what we don’t catch,” warns Mark Thompson, former head of cargo security at the UK Department for Transport. “If even 1% of passengers ignore the rules, that’s thousands of undetected batteries in holds every day. It only takes one to bring down a plane.”
And it almost happened. In February 2024, a cargo fire on an Air China Boeing 777 at Shanghai Pudong Airport was traced to a pallet of power banks. The aircraft was evacuated safely, but the damage to the fuselage exceeded $50 million.
What the Rules Actually Say
Here’s the thing: the rules aren’t new. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has banned loose lithium batteries in checked luggage since 2016. Power banks—being effectively large lithium-ion batteries—fall under the same restriction. They must be carried in cabin baggage, where crew can monitor them and respond if they overheat.
But enforcement is patchy. Some airports, like London Heathrow and Singapore Changi, use advanced X-ray scanners that flag battery density. Others rely on manual checks. And passengers often plead ignorance.
“People think, ‘It’s just a charger, what’s the harm?’” says Dr. Hartfield. “They don’t realize that a power bank has the same fire potential as a laptop battery—sometimes more, because cheap ones lack safety circuits.”
There’s also a financial angle. In the UK, the energy bills crushing Brits have driven many to buy cheap, uncertified power banks from online marketplaces. A 2023 investigation by Which? found that 40% of unbranded power banks sold on Amazon and eBay failed safety tests, including overheating during normal use.
The Human Factor
Behind the statistics are real people making split-second decisions. Cabin crew are trained to handle lithium fires using thermal containment bags and specialized extinguishers. But if a fire starts in the hold, the response is limited.
In 2019, a UPS cargo plane crashed in Dubai after a lithium battery fire in the hold incapacitated the crew. The investigation found that the fire had been smoldering for 20 minutes before it became uncontrollable. All three crew members died.
That tragedy reshaped regulations, but it didn’t stop the trend. The number of power bank shipments globally has grown 300% since 2019, according to market research firm Statista. And as more devices enter circulation, the odds of a mishap rise.
“We’re essentially playing Russian roulette with every flight,” says Thompson. “The industry needs to invest in better detection, and passengers need to take responsibility.”
Some airlines are taking matters into their own hands. Emirates now bans power banks exceeding 100Wh (about 27,000mAh) entirely. Qantas requires all power banks to be individually wrapped in plastic at security. But these measures are inconsistent across carriers.
What You Need to Do
Before you pack for that summer getaway, here’s the bottom line: always carry your power bank in your hand luggage. Check the watt-hour rating (it’s printed on the device). If it’s over 100Wh, you may need airline approval. And avoid cheap, unbranded chargers—stick to reputable brands like Anker, Samsung, or Belkin.
The UK CAA recommends travelers also tape over the charging ports to prevent accidental short circuits. And if your power bank feels hot or looks swollen, don’t fly with it at all. Dispose of it properly at a battery recycling point.
Look, no one wants to be that person who delays a flight because their bag is smoking. But the alternative is worse. As summer travel peaks, the message from aviation safety experts is clear: respect the lithium.
In the meantime, the industry is watching. The FAA recently proposed mandatory fire-resistant cargo containers for all lithium battery shipments by 2026. But that’s two years away. For now, the safety of your flight depends on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a power bank in my checked luggage?
No. International aviation regulations prohibit loose lithium batteries and power banks in checked baggage. They must be carried in your cabin baggage. If you’re caught, the device will be confiscated and you could face fines.
What happens if a power bank catches fire on a plane?
Cabin crew are trained to handle lithium battery fires using thermal containment bags and specialized extinguishers. If the fire is in the cargo hold, pilots may declare an emergency and divert the aircraft. In severe cases, the fire can lead to loss of the aircraft.
Are all power banks a safety risk?
Not equally. Reputable brands with built-in safety circuits (overcharge protection, temperature control) are safer. Cheap, unbranded power banks often lack these safeguards and are more likely to overheat or short-circuit. Always buy certified devices from trusted manufacturers.
