An EasyJet flight travelling from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton was diverted to Rome after a passenger informed cabin crew that a power bank was charging inside luggage stored in the aircraft hold.The incident occurred on flight EZY2618 on Tuesday evening while the plane was cruising at around 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea.According to flight tracking data, the aircraft changed course suddenly and landed safely at Rome Fiumicino Airport approximately 20 minutes later.

EasyJet stated that the diversion was carried out as a precaution and in accordance with aviation safety regulations concerning lithium-ion batteries.

Although there was reportedly no malfunction or fire involving the device, airline rules prohibit power banks from being used or charged in checked baggage because lithium batteries can overheat or ignite.Such incidents are considered easier to manage inside the aircraft cabin rather than in the cargo hold.

Passengers disembarked normally after landing, and the airline arranged hotel accommodation, meals and refreshments for affected travellers before rescheduling the flight for the following day.EasyJet apologised for the inconvenience and reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.The incident highlights increasingly strict international rules governing portable battery packs on aircraft.EasyJet only permits power banks in cabin baggage, with limits on battery capacity and quantity.Similar restrictions are enforced by airlines including Ryanair and British Airways.

Aviation authorities worldwide have strengthened regulations after several recent battery-related fires, including incidents in South Korea and Australia linked to overheating lithium-ion power banks.