A routine Tuesday night flight from Egypt to the United Kingdom took an unexpected turn when it was diverted to Italy after a passenger raised a safety concern about a device in their bag. EasyJet confirmed the diversion, stating that all passengers were accommodated until the flight resumed the following morning.
Incident Details
Flight EZY2618 departed from Hurghada, Egypt, and was scheduled to land at London Luton Airport in the early hours of Wednesday. However, the aircraft was rerouted to Rome Fiumicino Airport after a passenger informed the crew that a power bank was actively charging inside their checked luggage during the flight.
The captain decided to divert as a precautionary measure, adhering to safety regulations. EasyJet issued a statement confirming that the aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked without any incident. The airline provided hotel accommodation and meals where possible, while those who remained at the airport were given refreshments during the wait.
Safety Protocols
EasyJet emphasized its commitment to safety, stating: "The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority, and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines." The airline also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the diversion and the subsequent delay. Power banks are considered a fire risk in aircraft holds due to the potential for lithium batteries to overheat. Aviation safety rules generally require such devices to be carried in cabin baggage, where they can be monitored.
The passenger's decision to alert the crew rather than remain silent prompted the precautionary stop. The flight was rescheduled and operated the following morning, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Luton.
Broader Context
This incident comes at a challenging time for EasyJet. The airline has reported that summer bookings are running below last year's levels. It has sold 58% of its seats for the six months ending in September, which is two percentage points lower compared to the same period a year ago.
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