EasyJet flight to London diverts mid-air after passenger left phone charging in luggage | News UK

A London-bound EasyJet was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger left their charging bank inside their suitcase.

EasyJet flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt took off on Tuesday evening but diverted to Italy after the crew were informed that a power bank was charging in a passenger’s luggage.

The airline told Sky News it made the landing as a ‘precaution’.

Passenger Paul Casterton, 57, 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.

‘It was stressful until we landed.  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.’

They said: ‘The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations.

‘The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked routinely and we provided hotel accommodation and meals where available.

‘As some customers remained in the airport, they were provided with refreshments.

‘The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.

‘We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience caused by the diversion and subsequent delay.’

In February a Jet2 flight diverted after a passenger made ‘racist remarks’ before getting into a fight 30,000 ft in the air.

The flight, which was travelling from Antalya, Turkey, to Manchester, England was diverted to Belgium over the ‘appalling behaviour’ of two passengers.

One passenger described it as one of the most ‘distressing experiences’ they had ever had, with some claiming they could see blood and teeth on the floor.

The argument reportedly started after one of the men tried to grab the others’ phone, which was playing music loudly.

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