The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has conducted demonstrations highlighting the severe risks of lithium-ion battery fires on airplanes, showing how common devices like power packs can violently erupt in flames and smoke, posing critical safety threats during flights. This educational effort aims to raise awareness and improve response protocols for such incidents.
Lithium-ion batteries, found in smartphones, laptops, and power banks carried by nearly every passenger, can experience thermal runaway due to internal short circuits, overheating, or physical damage. This process causes the battery to eject molten electrolyte, flames, and toxic gases, creating a fire that is challenging to extinguish. The FAA’s tests at their technical center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, simulate these conditions to illustrate the rapid escalation of emergencies.
Recent real-world incidents underscore the urgency of this issue. In July 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 1334 diverted to Fort Myers after a battery pack in a backpack caught fire, leading to the safe evacuation of 191 people. Similarly, in January 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321 was gutted by flames on the ground in South Korea, injuring 27 people, with a suspected power pack as the cause. These events demonstrate the potential for catastrophic outcomes even before takeoff or during flight.
The impact of battery fires is growing, with safety organizations like UL Standards and Engagement reporting up to two incidents per week on planes or in airports. This increase has prompted regulatory changes, such as the FAA banning external battery packs from checked baggage where fires are harder to combat. Airlines like Southwest have implemented rules requiring devices to be kept in plain sight and prohibiting charging in overhead bins, while South Korea has enacted similar measures to enhance safety.
Education and awareness are key to mitigating risks. Passengers are advised to keep devices accessible, report any overheating or issues immediately to flight attendants, and avoid cheaply made products that may have defects. Flight crews are trained to use halon extinguishers initially, but FAA tests show that additional measures like dousing with water or non-alcoholic liquids are necessary to prevent reignition.
Looking ahead, ongoing research by the FAA and collaborations with industry stakeholders will likely lead to further safety guidelines and technological improvements. The goal is to reduce incident frequency through better consumer practices and enhanced emergency response strategies, ensuring that air travel remains safe despite the ubiquitous presence of lithium-ion batteries.