British Airways passenger burns after power bank ignites mid‑flight

In‑flight fire

A male passenger’s power bank ignited in his pocket roughly 15 minutes into the flight, causing burns to the passenger and smoke that affected other travellers.

Cabin crew members extinguished the fire and secured the device, while the aircraft returned to Gatwick for medical assistance.

Medical treatment

The passenger who suffered the fire required treatment for burns, and additional passengers sought care for smoke inhalation.

Regulatory response

The UK Civil Aviation Authority reminded travellers that lithium‑battery devices should be carried in the cabin and never placed in hold baggage.

Glenn Bradley, Head of Flight Operations at the authority, praised the British Airways crew, emergency services and Gatwick Airport for their prompt response.