After KLM, another power bank causes trouble — this time on Lufthansa

LYON — Shortly after KLM was forced to interrupt a flight to Curaçao because a power bank caught fire, a similar incident has now occurred on Lufthansa. An Airbus A321 carrying 198 passengers was diverted to Lyon, France, on Saturday evening after a passenger’s power bank caught fire during the flight. No injuries were reported.

The aircraft was flying from Frankfurt to Lisbon. Cabin crew reacted quickly and contained the situation by placing the burning lithium-ion battery in a special fire-resistant safety bag.

As a precaution, the pilots declared an emergency to receive priority for landing in France. The aircraft landed safely in Lyon. Passengers and crew were accommodated in a hotel and continued their journey to Lisbon on Sunday.

Safety risks involving power banks are receiving increasing attention in aviation. Lufthansa has introduced stricter rules since the beginning of the year: using or charging power banks on board is prohibited. Passengers may carry a maximum of two, but they must remain in hand luggage.

The Lufthansa incident comes shortly after a similar case on KLM, where a power bank caught fire during a flight bound for Curaçao.