Plane turns back mid-air due to power bank in checked bag

You’re all set for an exciting trip — bags packed, tickets in hand, and your flight ready for take-off. But what happens when the plane you're on suddenly turns back? It’s not exactly the smoothest start to your adventure, but that's exactly what happened on a recent flight from Kalibo to South Korea. The incident happened on 5 May 2025, when the flight had to return shortly after takeoff.

The reason for the unexpected return? A power bank that ended up in one of the checked bags. For frequent travellers, it’s a well-known rule: power banks are prohibited in checked luggage due to safety concerns. They pose a risk of overheating or even catching fire. This small oversight caused a significant delay, but it also highlighted the importance of following air travel safety protocols.

Also read: AirAsia Power Bank Policy 2025: The Dos and Don’ts for Filipino Travellers

How the power bank was discovered

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You might be wondering how the power bank was even discovered in the first place, right? Here’s what happened: the flight had already taken off from Kalibo and was en route to South Korea when airline staff noticed a discrepancy in the list of items loaded into the cargo hold.

The airline uses a tracking system to log each piece of luggage and identify any restricted items. During a routine system review, the presence of a power bank — which should not have been in checked baggage — was flagged. Once this information was relayed to the flight crew, they made the decision to turn the aircraft around and return to Kalibo International Airport to safely remove the item.

Why power banks belong in carry-on bags

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So, why the big fuss over a power bank? These portable chargers use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or catch fire if damaged or improperly stored. If such a battery were to ignite in the cargo hold, it would be incredibly difficult to contain or manage mid-flight.

This is exactly why both local and international aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, prohibit passengers from placing power banks in checked luggage. These devices should always be kept in your hand-carry so they’re accessible in case of any issues.

The passenger’s explanation

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In this case, the passenger reportedly said they didn’t realise power banks weren’t allowed in checked bags. It was likely an honest mistake — they had simply packed the power bank without giving it much thought. Once the issue was discovered, the airline explained the regulation, and the power bank was removed without further incident.

While the situation caused a disruption, it served as a reminder to all travellers about the importance of knowing and following luggage rules.

The impact on the flight

Thankfully, the flight didn’t face any major consequences aside from the delay. Once the power bank was removed from the cargo, the aircraft was cleared to depart once again for South Korea. Passengers experienced some inconvenience, but everyone remained safe — and that’s what mattered most.

The incident may have been minor, but it shows just how seriously airlines take safety. Even a single overlooked item can trigger a major response, especially when passenger welfare is at stake.

Travel tips to avoid unexpected delays

If you’re planning your own trip soon, here are some simple but essential reminders to avoid this kind of situation:

• Always place power banks and lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage

• Check your airline’s rules about electronic devices and other restricted items

• Use a packing checklist so you don’t forget where you've placed certain gadgets

• Do a final review of your bags before heading to the airport — even a quick scan can help prevent problems

Also read: Airline-Approved Power Bank Rules Every Pinoy Must Know Before Flying!

Headed to South Korea soon?

If you're planning a trip to South Korea, this incident is a good wake-up call: pack smart and know the rules. The last thing you want is for your journey to be delayed over something easily preventable.

Keep your power bank where it belongs — in your hand-carry — and look forward to an amazing adventure ahead.