EasyJet diverts flight after passenger alerts crew to power bank in luggage

An EasyJet flight bound for London was diverted to Rome after concerns were raised over a device in a passenger's luggage.

The airline told Sky News it made the landing as a "precaution" after a passenger informed the crew of the situation.

Flight EZY2618 took off from Hurghada in Egypt on Tuesday evening and was due to land at Luton Airport in the early hours of Wednesday.

Tycoon Desmond plots Health Lottery sale | Mark Kleinman blog

However, EasyJet said that the flight was diverted to Rome Fiumicino and rescheduled to operate the following morning after the crew were informed that a power bank was charging in a passenger's luggage.

"The captain then took the decision to divert as a precaution in line with safety regulations," a spokesperson said.

They added: "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."

See more from Sky News:
Cost of living: 'We eat what we can afford'
Meta lays off 10% of workforce
What has the chancellor cut VAT on?

It comes after EasyJet reported that bookings for summer flights were lower than the same point last year because of uncertainty from the US and Israel's war with Iran.

The airline said it had sold 58% of its seats for the six months to the end of September, down two percentage points from a year prior.

Chief executive Kenton Jarvis told BBC Radio 4 earlier this month that EasyJet was "not seeing any disruption to fuel supply," and promised passengers "we will not put fuel surcharges on, so once you've booked, that will be the price you pay".

(c) Sky News 2026: EasyJet diverts flight after passenger alerts crew to power bank in luggage