In a harrowing turn of events, an EasyJet flight faced mid-air chaos when a passenger’s powerbank sparked a panic. The incident, which unfolded on a routine journey from London Gatwick to Málaga, has raised fresh concerns over the safety of electronic devices in air travel.
The ordeal began approximately an hour into the flight, when passengers seated in the middle of the cabin reported smelling smoke. Moments later, a faint crackling noise emerged, followed by a small plume of smoke originating from a powerbank that a passenger had been charging using the in-seat USB port. Witnesses described seeing a flash of light, leading to immediate fears of a fire on board.
Panic quickly spread as flight attendants sprang into action, dousing the overheating device with water and placing it into a specially designed fire containment bag, a mandatory safety measure carried on most modern aircraft.
“The smoke wasn’t thick, but it was enough to scare everyone,” said one passenger, still visibly shaken. “People started shouting, and some even grabbed their oxygen masks, thinking we were going down.”
Despite the initial chaos, the EasyJet crew has been widely praised for their swift and professional handling of the incident. The cabin crew immediately reassured passengers while following safety protocols to mitigate the risk of the smoke spreading or escalating.
Captain Sarah Jennings, who was piloting the aircraft, made a calming announcement soon after, informing passengers that the situation was under control. “Our crew is trained for situations like this, and your safety remains our top priority,” she said over the intercom. The plane continued its journey without further disruption and landed safely in Málaga, albeit with heightened tension on board.
Upon arrival, the EasyJet aircraft was met by emergency services as a precautionary measure. The airline issued a statement acknowledging the incident and commending its crew.
“EasyJet can confirm that an incident involving a passenger’s personal electronic device occurred on flight EZY4536 from London Gatwick to Málaga. Our crew acted promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers. We remind customers to ensure their devices are in good working condition and stored appropriately during flights,” the statement read.
The passenger responsible for the powerbank has reportedly cooperated fully with authorities. Early investigations suggest the overheating may have been caused by a manufacturing defect or improper usage. The device has been handed over to local authorities for further analysis.
This incident is the latest in a string of scares involving lithium-ion batteries on aircraft. While regulations strictly prohibit damaged or recalled devices from being carried aboard, enforcement remains a challenge. Powerbanks and other personal electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries are a known fire hazard, especially when improperly stored or used.
Aviation safety expert Mark Reynolds explained the risks: “Lithium-ion batteries, if damaged or subjected to extreme conditions, can enter a thermal runaway state. This essentially means the battery overheats uncontrollably, leading to potential fires.”
Passengers on board the flight have spoken about the terrifying ordeal, with many expressing gratitude for the crew’s response. However, some have criticized the broader issue of allowing potentially hazardous devices on board.
“Everyone has these gadgets nowadays. I’m just glad the crew knew what to do,” said Maria Lopez, a traveler seated near the incident. “But maybe airlines need stricter checks on what people bring on board.”
Another passenger, Simon Carter, added: “I’ll think twice before using my powerbank on a plane. You never know when something like this could happen.”
The Takeaway
As air travel increasingly integrates personal technology, incidents like this highlight the delicate balance between convenience and safety. Airlines worldwide may now face calls to tighten restrictions on electronic devices, particularly powerbanks, to prevent similar scares in the future.
For EasyJet, the quick-thinking crew and well-practiced safety protocols prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome. The incident serves as a reminder to all passengers to prioritize safety and remain vigilant about their electronic devices when flying.