EasyJet says crew were alerted to a power bank charging in hold luggage, forcing flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton to divert to Rome Fiumicino and make an emergency landing
An easyJet flight heading for Luton was compelled to make an emergency landing far from its intended destination.
Travellers aboard flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton endured a terrifying experience on May 19 when the captain declared: “There’s something we shouldn’t have in the hold.”
The 180 passengers on board weren’t given any additional information about the problem that was causing the flight to be rerouted until after touchdown, according to one traveller, reports the Express. The aircraft touched down safely at Rome Fiumicino at 11.30pm on Tuesday.
It was subsequently reported that a woman had informed a cabin crew member about a power bank being in her checked baggage, which led the pilot to redirect the flight owing to safety concerns.
The stranded travellers were accommodated in hotels or spent the night at the terminal, with easyJet organising a replacement flight back to the UK scheduled to leave at 2pm the next day.
Amongst the passengers on the diverted aircraft was Paul Casterton, 57, who was journeying with partner Laura Bartlett, 61.
Discussing the alarming incident, he told The Sun: “No one knew what to think. Suddenly the plane changed direction and made a descent. It was hard not to fear the worst.”
Mr Casterton described the remainder of the flight as “stressful” until touchdown.
He added: “Thank goodness it wasn’t a bomb in the hold. Word spread as to the true reason we had been diverted. It was quite an ordeal, but mostly relief that everyone was OK.”
The budget airline stated: “Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton on May 19 diverted to Rome Fiumicino as the crew were informed a power bank was charging in luggage.
“The captain then diverted as a precaution in line with safety regulations. Safety is our highest priority. We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience.”
Several airlines, including those within the Lufthansa Group, have prohibited the use of power banks during flights or even their storage unused in the overhead locker.
Items containing lithium batteries, such as most power banks, are typically forbidden from being stored in checked luggage.