The aviation industry is grappling with an increasing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which have become a significant safety concern during air travel. A journalist flying into Las Vegas in June witnessed a dramatic example when a passenger’s battery pack overheated and caught fire mid-flight, prompting crew to respond quickly by submerging the device in water before the plane made an emergency landing at Harry Reid International Airport.
According to aviation authorities, lithium-ion battery incidents have become commonplace. Jonathan Nicholson from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority noted that the threat ranks among the top three risks facing the airline industry, with reports indicating roughly two lithium-ion related incidents occurring weekly worldwide. These incidents span a range of severity, from passengers discovering forgotten devices in checked baggage to equipment catching fire in airport facilities or during flights. A particularly notable incident in January 2025 resulted in the complete destruction of an Air Busan aircraft on the tarmac, with investigators attributing the fire to a power bank left in an overhead compartment.
The proliferation of such incidents stems from multiple factors, including increased passenger volume, more frequent flights, and the widespread use of lithium-ion powered devices. Power banks, vapes, smartphones, tablets, and laptops represent the primary culprits, though newer devices like smartwatches and smart glasses are increasingly involved. Experts explain that lithium-ion batteries can reach temperatures exceeding 700 to 1000 degrees very rapidly due to internal chemical reactions, creating fires that are difficult to control at high altitudes.
Industry and regulatory responses have focused on passenger education and staff training rather than technological alternatives. Airlines continue to advise passengers to keep battery-powered devices in cabin luggage and to avoid placing them in checked baggage or overhead compartments. In cases where fires occur, immersing the device in water remains the primary containment method, though some carriers employ specialized containment units. Experts note that while quality concerns surround cheaper battery packs produced in East Asia, and consumer misuse of unsuitable charging cables contributes to incidents, there are currently no economically viable alternatives to lithium-ion technology available to consumers.
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