FAA issues new warning over flying with lithium batteries after dozens of incidents in August
FAA warns of growing dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries on planes
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new safety alert to US airlines regarding the growing risks of lithium-ion batteries in passenger cabins.
- The alert warns that batteries in overhead bins or carry-on luggage are difficult to monitor, increasing the risk of delayed detection and firefighting during thermal runaway.
- This warning follows 50 reported incidents this year where batteries emitted smoke, caught fire, or overheated, leading to flight diversions and passenger injuries.
- The FAA recommends airlines enhance risk mitigation strategies, including improved communication, better firefighting procedures, and additional emergency training.
- Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. carrier that currently requires passengers to keep portable chargers and power banks visible when in use during a flight.