Lithium battery incidents now a twice-weekly event as awareness remains low

Passengers departing from Birmingham Airport this summer are being urged to keep batteries and electrical devices in their cabin bags rather than checked-in luggage.

The advice comes as part of a major safety campaign by the UK aviation regulator ahead of peak holiday season.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is running its Pack Right for a Safe Flight campaign alongside airlines and airports, warning that incorrectly packed lithium batteries now represent the number one safety risk to aircraft.

Incidents involving overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year increase, while cases of lithium battery-powered devices incorrectly packed in hold baggage rose by 91% in 2025.

Despite this, over a third of travellers remain unaware of the dangers. The average passenger now travels with four lithium-powered devices, meaning a busy Airbus A380 may carry more than 2,000 on board.

Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the CAA, said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel and we want to keep it that way. Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag.

“Take them into the cabin with you. This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”

What passengers need to know

Passengers are advised to take mobile phones, vapes and power banks on board, never charge a power bank during a flight, and turn off laptops completely before placing them in hold luggage. No more than two power banks may be carried.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “Electronic devices like tablets, power banks and vapes belong in your hand luggage, not the hold.

“We’d urge every passenger heading away this summer to take a moment to check before they zip up their bag.”

Further guidance is available at caa.co.uk/packright.