UL Standards & Engagement has released a new review showing that battery-related incidents on passenger flights continued to climb in 2025, with the weekly average rising to 2.36 from 2.05 in 2024. The report, based on data from more than 40 airlines, points to portable chargers as the leading source of thermal runaway events and highlights growing operational pressure on cabin safety procedures.
The findings add fresh evidence to an aviation safety concern that has drawn increasing attention from regulators and carriers worldwide. FAA incident data tracks lithium battery events involving smoke, fire or extreme heat, and current monitoring shows that such cases remain active across the industry. Recent coverage has also linked the trend to a SWISS diversion after a smoking power bank onboard, underscoring the practical risks faced by flight crews.
Airlines have already started tightening rules on power banks and other lithium-ion devices, while regulators continue to review baggage stowage, charging practices and crew response procedures. The updated 2025 incident rate gives the debate a stronger data point at a time when cabin battery risks remain a recurring operational issue for passenger airlines.