Incidents involving in-flight fires linked to electronic devices such as mobile phones, power banks, and e-cigarettes have become an increasing safety concern for the aviation industry. While cabin fires are typically extinguished quickly, overheating batteries are increasingly causing flight disruptions, leading airlines and regulators worldwide to implement new safety measures.

Several recent events illustrate the growing frequency of these occurrences. In April, an SAS flight returning to Aberdeen, Scotland, was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a laptop fire. In May, a United Airlines flight bound for Newark diverted to London after a power bank ignited onboard. Most recently, a British Airways flight to Las Vegas was disrupted when a cellphone caught fire, damaging the cabin and alarming passengers. A pilot from the BA flight reported to air traffic controllers that the fire originated from a mobile phone and emphasized efforts to minimize panic among those onboard.

Lithium-ion batteries powering these devices can enter a process known as thermal runaway, where overheating causes the battery to combust spontaneously. Overcharging, damage, or malfunctions increase the risk of such incidents. The number of devices carried by passengers has risen sharply, with travelers typically carrying four to five electronic devices each. This increase has elevated the potential fire risk, with some long-haul flights carrying over 2,000 devices prone to overheating.

Changes in passenger behavior also contribute to the growing risk. More travelers now use personal devices instead of in-flight entertainment systems and rely on them for navigating airports, ordering onboard services, and arranging transport after landing. The proliferation of power banks and e-cigarettes further compounds the issue. Data from the Thermal Runaway Incident Program shows that vapes caused approximately 28% of battery overheating incidents last year, while power banks and cellphones each accounted for about 20%.

Industry experts have noted that these additional personal electronics have effectively doubled the amount of lithium onboard aircraft. Nick Careen, head of operations, safety and security at the International Air Transport Association, pointed to this surge as a significant safety challenge. Fires that begin in the cargo hold are especially dangerous, given limited crew access and the reliance on fire suppression systems designed only to contain—not fully extinguish—fires.

An incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 2117 earlier this year demonstrated the potential severity of such fires. Shortly after takeoff, a phone and power bank ignited on a passenger’s lap, causing burns to the individual and prompting crew to contain the blaze. The flight was diverted to Wichita, Kansas, after pilots declared an emergency and deployed oxygen masks.

In the United States, such incidents have more than doubled since 2019, with data from the Federal Aviation Administration indicating that 2026 is on track to surpass last year’s record. Airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest have introduced restrictions on power bank storage and use, similar to measures adopted by Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. Aviation authorities have also issued guidance to crews and sought to raise passenger awareness.

Regulators stress the importance of addressing this issue proactively. Jonathan Nicholson, spokesperson for the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority, described battery fires as among the highest safety risks currently facing aviation, noting that even minor incidents can escalate rapidly. Britain reported a 98% increase in device overheating events from 2024 to last year.

The urgency of mitigation efforts intensified after a 2025 fire aboard an Air Busan flight caused by a power bank in an overhead bin destroyed the aircraft and injured 27 people. This incident led to bans on e-cigarettes and power banks in checked luggage and tighter inflight restrictions globally.

Cargo holds pose an additional concern, with lithium battery shipments occasionally igniting fires that put aircraft at risk. Incidents in U.S. cargo holds rose 40% between 2021 and 2025. About a quarter of U.S. air cargo travels in passenger jets’ belly compartments, increasing exposure to potentially dangerous shipments. A 2010 UPS cargo plane crash highlighted the danger when a lithium battery fire compromised flight controls, leading to loss of aircraft control.

With increasing reliance on battery-powered devices by passengers and airlines, authorities and industry groups continue to adapt rules and safety protocols to address what is now viewed as a critical aviation safety challenge.