That’s how often lithium-ion batteries burn on airplanes

Burning batteries in airplanes can have fatal consequences. It is not uncommon for planes to have to make an emergency landing and the passengers to be evacuated. The number of incidents in which batteries overheated and then caught fire has risen sharply in recent years. According to the US broadcaster CBS, data from the US Air Traffic Safety Administration FAA analyzed, it has been around in the US for the past 5 years 42 percent increased.

Since 2021 is on average a battery a smartphone, a laptop or a tablet per week burst into flames on a plane over the United States, reports CBS News. With a share of 29.06 percent Battery fires on airplanes are responsible for the majority of incidents involving hazardous materials, according to CBS News. The rest is divided between aerosols, ammunition, paints and poisons.

Educating passengers about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries can be vital, a spokesman for the US pilots’ union Allied Pilots Association is quoted by CBS as saying. To bring battery fires under control, some airlines use special protective containers. Damaged batteries or devices that are recalled by the manufacturers may not be brought on board.