Passengers aboard a British Airways flight from London to Las Vegas were left terrified after a portable power bank reportedly exploded and caught fire while the aircraft was cruising at 30,000 feet.
The incident occurred on Monday aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner when a portable charger being used to power a mobile phone inside a seat pocket suddenly overheated and exploded, triggering panic among those onboard.
According to reports, passengers heard a loud bang before smoke began filling part of the cabin. Several travellers initially feared the explosion could be linked to a security threat, causing alarm among those seated nearby.
Images taken after the incident showed soot covering a fold-out tray table, while scorch marks were reportedly left on parts of the aircraft’s interior after the burning device fell onto the cabin floor.
A source claimed the passenger using the charger panicked when the device began smoking and threw it away moments before it burst into flames. Cabin crew quickly responded and used a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze before it could spread further.
Air traffic control recordings reportedly captured a pilot informing authorities that efforts were being made to keep passengers calm as the situation unfolded onboard.
Despite the frightening incident, the aircraft landed safely in Las Vegas and all passengers disembarked without further issues.
The scare has renewed concerns over the safety of lithium-ion power banks during air travel. Aviation authorities have repeatedly warned travellers about the risks posed by damaged, defective or improperly stored portable chargers, which can overheat and ignite under certain conditions.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has previously advised passengers to follow airline rules regarding power banks, including restrictions on placing such devices in checked luggage.
In a statement, British Airways said passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority and confirmed the flight landed safely, with customers leaving the aircraft as normal.
The incident is the latest in a growing number of airline safety scares involving portable charging devices, prompting renewed calls for stricter awareness and compliance with onboard battery regulations.
