Overview
- A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Lisbon diverted to Lyon on Saturday after a passenger's powerbank caught fire in the seat area and the plane landed with no injuries.
- Cabin crew secured the overheating powerbank in a lithium Safe Bag and the 198 passengers were delayed overnight before continuing to Lisbon on later flights.
- International rules require lithium batteries to travel in hand luggage and set energy limits, with most powerbanks allowed up to 100 Wh and devices between 100 and 160 Wh needing airline approval.
- The Lufthansa Group has barred in-flight use of powerbanks since 15 January 2026 and limits passengers to two devices, while experts urge buying certified units, avoiding damaged or cheap models, and keeping powerbanks within reach to spot overheating early.
- This event and recent cases such as Air Busan in 2025 and a Swiss emergency landing in July 2026 show a pattern of onboard lithium‑battery incidents that could prompt tighter airline controls and stricter passenger checks.