Smoke from a power bank forced a Swiss-operated Zurich–Boston flight to divert to Dublin early Monday. The 206 passengers were accommodated in hotels while Swiss arranged onward travel. Crew activated an emergency signal to gain landing priority, a routine safety measure that was not classified as an emergency landing. This is the second similar incident in about two weeks; the Lufthansa Group has barred in-flight use or charging of power banks since January.
Power Bank Sparks Smoke, Forces Swiss Zurich–Boston Flight To Divert To Dublin
FILE PHOTO - A charging cable with a USB-C plug lies next to a bundle of different connection cables. Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo Group is recalling USB-C laptop power banks citing risk for fire, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said on Wednesday. (is associated with: «Power bank smoke forces landing for Swiss trans-Atlantic flight») Jens Büttner/dpa
A Swiss-operated flight from Zurich bound for Boston made an unscheduled landing in Dublin early on Monday after crew members detected smoke coming from an electronic device, the airline said.
The aircraft departed Zurich on Sunday evening and landed in Dublin in the early hours of Monday. Swiss confirmed the smoke was caused by a power bank. All 206 passengers were accommodated in hotels while the airline organised onward travel.
Emergency Procedure Used, Not An Emergency Landing
Swiss said crew sent an emergency signal to obtain priority to land — a standard safety procedure that does not equate to an emergency landing. No injuries were reported.
"The reason was smoke developing on board, caused by a power bank," Swiss said.
This is the second similar incident in roughly two weeks involving passenger electronics. On July 27, a Swiss flight from Zurich to New York diverted to Bangor, Maine, after smoke in the cabin was traced to a damaged headphone charging case that had slipped between seats and become trapped.
Rules and Safety Measures
Since January, the Lufthansa Group has prohibited the use or charging of power banks on board its aircraft. Passengers may still carry power banks in hand luggage, but they must be kept on the passenger's person, in the seat pocket, or under the seat — not stored in overhead lockers.
Investigations into such incidents typically focus on the device involved and how it was stored or handled. Airlines and regulators emphasise proper carriage and use of portable batteries to reduce the risk of overheating and smoke.
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