FAA warns airlines about lithium battery fire risks after multiple incidents
- The Federal Aviation Administration warned about the risks of lithium batteries carried by passengers and crew on aircraft.
- Incidents involving lithium batteries can lead to thermal runaway, resulting in fires that could be difficult to manage during flights.
- Airlines are urged to store lithium batteries in visible locations to enhance safety and reduce fire risks.
On September 5, 2025, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety alert concerning the dangers posed by lithium batteries brought onboard aircraft by both passengers and crew members. The alert particularly highlighted that devices such as cell phones, laptops, and e-cigarettes, which typically contain these batteries, can malfunction and lead to hazardous situations like a 'thermal runaway.' Such incidents not only pose a risk of fire onboard but also create challenges for detection and firefighting during a flight. Thermal runaway can produce a sudden and violent spark that can ignite a fire, especially if the battery is stored in places like overhead bins or carry-on luggage, where they are not easily visible or monitored by those onboard. This concern is compounded by the fact that conventional fire extinguishing methods may not be effective in completely halting the thermal runaway process. The FAA demonstrated the danger to CNN, showing how a small battery could create sparks and flames when it malfunctions. The use of Halon extinguishers, which can briefly control flames, does not stop the underlying thermal runaway process, necessitating the application of large amounts of water to cool the battery and reduce fire risk. The FAA noted that, as of August 2025, there have been 50 verified incidents related to battery malfunctions, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. The alert calls for airlines to reassess their storage protocols for lithium batteries, particularly insisting that these batteries be kept in visible and accessible locations. In response to these warnings, Southwest Airlines stands out as the only major airline in the U.S. that requires portable chargers and power banks to be in plain sight during flights. Overall, the FAA encourages a critical review of how lithium batteries are handled across the aviation industry to bolster safety measures and protect passengers from potential dangers associated with these ubiquitous devices.