Regulator warns of potentially deadly threat posed by over 100 million incorrectly packed batteries

With more than 60 million passengers expected to travel during the summer peak, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a nationwide campaign urging travellers to “pack right for a safe flight” by keeping batteries in the cabin rather than in checked luggage.The initiative, developed in collaboration with airlines and airports, aims to tackle growing safety risks linked to the incorrect packing of everyday electronic devices. While passenger volumes remain high, ongoing global pressures mean this summer is not expected to break records.Passengers are being advised to:

• Carry items such as mobile phones, vapes and power banks in hand luggage
• Avoid charging power banks during the flight
• Ensure laptops are completely switched off if placed in checked baggage

Failure to follow these guidelines could result in baggage being removed, causing operational delays, or in more serious cases, a fire that may be difficult to control in flight.

Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority 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.”

New data from the regulator highlights the scale of the issue. Lithium battery incidents are now occurring at a rate of approximately two per week. Reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, cases of lithium battery-powered devices incorrectly packed in hold baggage rose by 91% in 2025.

Despite the growing risk, awareness among passengers remains limited. Around 36% of travellers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries in checked baggage, even though 92% travel with a mobile phone, 55% with a laptop and 49% with a power bank. This indicates that significant numbers of batteries may be incorrectly packed on a typical flight.

On average, passengers now travel with four lithium-powered devices. On a fully loaded Airbus A380, this equates to more than 2,000 individual batteries onboard. According to the CAA, the fire risk associated with lithium batteries has become the leading safety concern for aircraft operations.

Items such as power banks and vapes represent some of the highest risks and must always be carried in the cabin. Travellers are permitted to carry no more than two power banks. These devices must not be charged onboard, although they may be used to charge other devices where permitted. Passengers are advised to check airline-specific policies in advance or consult cabin crew during the flight.

The campaign coincides with the start of the summer travel surge, as schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland begin their holidays. CAA data shows that early 2026 saw record passenger numbers at Scottish airports, underlining sustained demand.

Gareth Salt, Vice President of Health, Safety and Security at Virgin Atlantic said:“Ahead of our peak summer travel season at Virgin Atlantic, it’s really important that customers know the guidance for lithium battery-powered devices, including power banks and vapes, and pack them correctly.

“We’re proud to support the CAA’s ‘Pack Right for a Safe Flight’ campaign, helping to raise awareness of the simple steps customers can take to reduce risk and ensure every journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:”UK airlines support this important campaign. Flying is the safest form of travel but as the number of electronic devices we use increases, the risk of lithium battery incidents is a growing challenge.

“Whilst pilots and cabin crew are trained to deal with any situation the best outcome is always prevention, which starts when passengers pack their bags.

“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.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: “Everyone in aviation is working hard to ensure that passengers are aware of the rules around the packing of rechargeable batteries and that we can all fly off on our summer holidays safely.

“Through the AirportsUK health and safety working group and in our work with the CAA, we have developed a clear message: travellers must bring any rechargeable batteries they wish to take on their holidays with them into the cabin.“We want everyone to be able to enjoy their summer holidays and to do that, we should all pack right for a safe flight.”