An easyJet flight had to perform an emergency landing due to a passenger inadvertently leaving a phone charging on a powerbank inside their luggage.
The easyJet aircraft was en route from Hurghada, Egypt, to Luton but had to divert to Rome at 11.30 pm on Tuesday. The 180 passengers aboard were surprised when the captain declared an unexpected situation in the cargo hold.
The following easyJet service from Rome to Luton was scheduled for 2 pm the next day. Passengers were accommodated in hotels or spent the night in the terminal.
Paul Casterton, 57, accompanied by his partner Laura Bartlett, 61, recounted to The Sun: “There was a moment of uncertainty. Suddenly, the plane altered course and descended. It was hard not to imagine the worst.”
He added, “The tension persisted until we landed. There was a sense of relief once the passenger came forward.”
Paul, a construction worker from Nottingham, opted to pay £350 for an earlier Wizzair flight on Wednesday to make it to an appointment.
In response, easyJet stated: “Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton on May 19 diverted to Rome Fiumicino after the crew was notified of a power bank charging in luggage. The diversion was a precautionary measure in accordance with safety protocols. Safety remains our top priority, and we extend our apologies to all passengers for any inconvenience.”
