Delta says a flight from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale diverted to Fort Myers on Monday. Flight attendants used a fire containment bag to put out the battery.
- That’s almost 6 per month. Last year was 7 per month on average.
- The FAA and TSA don’t allow portable chargers in checked bags. They only allow them in carry-on bags.
- In May, passengers were forbidden by Southwest from charging their gadgets with power banks in carry-on bags because of the overheating and fire hazards from lithium batteries.
- Air Busan, a South Korean carrier, had a fire aboard the jet in February. After that, Air Busan banned storing portable chargers in overhead bins.
Do Lithium Batteries Usually Explode In Planes?
Over a third of those were portable battery packs. That’s about 1.7 per week. Now, more and more people are carrying lithium-packed things on planes: might include a laptop, a tablet, a phone, a vape pen, and a portable charger.
Why Are Lithium Battery Incidents So Bad?
Lithium batteries are a safety risk to aircraft. They can go into thermal runaway and produce rapid heat and pressure. That also releases flammable gases into the cabin. Batteries can overheat or catch fire for many reasons. Water exposure can also trigger bad reactions. Electrical damage from overcharging or wrong chargers increases risk. Extreme temperatures can make batteries unstable. Product defects can also cause failures during flight.
What Happens When A Lithium Battery Overheats Midflight?
Most times it’s managed before it gets to full blown fires. Devices produce thick, smelly smoke and alert passengers. Sometimes batteries go into thermal runaway and ignite. April 9th, American Airlines flight diverted to Chicago. Passenger’s charger caught fire, crew put it out.
Emergency Diversion to Lajes Airport
Delta line prioritized safety and diverted to Lajes Airport on Terceira Island. Terceira is part of Portugal ‘s Azores archipelago.
Delta confirmed the incident and said safety is their number one priority. The crew followed procedure and decided to land at Lajes. The plane landed safely with no injuries. All 282 passengers and 13 crew members deplaned safely. They arrived in New York late Monday night. Delta’s maintenance team is inspecting and repairing the plane.
Southwest Installs 3rd Set of Eyes in Cockpit to Boost Safety
282 passengers and 13 crew members on board. Everyone deplaned safely in Terceira. Delta gave passengers and crew hotel and meals for the night. Passengers boarded another plane the next day. They arrived in New York Monday evening. They’re contacting affected customers. Delta is apologizing and compensating for the inconvenience.
American Airlines Technology Issue Fixed After Customers Report Long Delays
This happens during aviation industry scrutiny. There have been several close calls and crashes in 2025. By February mid-month, there were 4 major aviation incidents. He said aviation is the safest mode of transportation in the country.
Industry Context and Response
Delta must address passenger concerns while following strict safety protocols. The airline has contacted affected passengers directly. Delta offered apologies and compensation for the disruption. Industry experts are watching how Delta manages this situation.
Delta remains focused on supporting customers and ensuring safety. The aviation sector faces greater scrutiny in 2025. Several close calls and accidents have raised safety concerns this year. By mid-February, officials reported four major aviation incidents. These events have worried travelers and industry leaders alike.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended air travel’s safety record. He told FOX Business that airplanes remain the safest way to travel and highlighted efforts to hire more air traffic controllers. Officials are also improving the air traffic control system. New investments aim to fix problems from past years. Delta’s response will face close public and expert scrutiny. This underscores the need for strong safety and customer care.
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