Power banks and vapes are now the biggest safety threat to aircraft, says aviation authority

Power banks and vapes are now the biggest safety threat to aircraft, says aviation authority highlights the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s updated warning about lithium battery risks. The CAA says lithium batteries are now the number one safety risk to aircraft, with around two lithium-battery-related incidents each week disrupting flights. As part of a summer campaign, it urged passengers to “pack right for a safe flight” by taking portable chargers and vapes into the cabin rather than the hold. CAA data show overheating passenger devices nearly doubled from 2024 to 2025, and cases of lithium-powered devices packed incorrectly in checked baggage rose by 91% in 2025. The regulator also reminded travelers not to exceed two power banks on board and not to charge power banks during flight. It cited scenarios involving more than 2,000 devices on a busy Airbus A380 and said laptops in hold luggage must be fully switched off.