EasyJet flight diverts to Rome over power bank in luggage

EasyJet flight diverts to Rome over power bank in luggage5 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEwan SomervilleAFP/Getty ImagesPassengers on the EasyJet flight had to stay overnight until the next dayA UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome after a power bank was found to be charging in a passenger's luggage, it has been revealed.Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada in Egypt to London Luton landed in the Italian capital on Tuesday night as a "precaution".The airline said the captain decided to divert "in line with safety regulations" after a passenger informed crew during the flight that the charging power bank was in the hold of the aircraft. Many airlines have toughened rules on power banks, often requiring that they be stored in hand luggage because of the risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire.The flight touched down safely at Rome Fiumicino and was rescheduled to the Wednesday.Data from FlightRadar24 shows the flight cruising at 36,000ft when almost three hours into its journey, over the Adriatic Sea, it took a sharp left-hand turn and landed 20 minutes later.It is understood there was no issue with the power bank, but regulations state power banks are not allowed to be charging in the hold during a flight.A spokesperson for the airline said: "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."EasyJet's rules state that power banks are accepted on aircraft in cabin baggage only but are "prohibited from use" and "must not be used to charge other d...