TL;DR: Last year, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) received over 350 reports concerning dangerous goods, primarily related to battery fires, faulty power banks, and overheated electronic devices. Of these, most incidents involved personal electronic devices, and many occurred while aircraft were in flight.
Reports from the IAA revealed a startling trend in aviation safety related to personal electronic devices. In 2025, a staggering 355 dangerous goods reports were made, with batteries and personal electronics like vapes and phones leading the list. Out of these, 91 cases involved overheating or electrical failures, alarming enough to disrupt flights or prompt emergency actions, including diversions and returns to departure airports.
A closer examination of the data shows that incidents weren’t confined to take-off and landings; they occurred mid-flight as well, with 57 reports logged while aircraft were cruising. With tech becoming an integral part of our lives, the resulting uptick in issues involving battery-powered devices raises questions about safety regulations and consumer awareness.
Moreover, the figures shine a light on a myriad of dangerous items logged by airlines and airports, including categories such as dry ice, munitions, and even the odd vacuum cleaner and bathroom razor. Next time you think about slipping that new e-scooter into your carry-on, keep in mind that a few of its friends have already made headlines for the wrong reasons.
One can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of this all—who knew your everyday electronics could double as potential hazards? Perhaps the next security briefing should cover more than just liquid restrictions: a “What Not to Bring” list could also hit home. After all, how many of us would raise eyebrows at the idea of packing our trusty e-bike, thinking it might just zoom through security like a well-trained baggage handler?
Interestingly, while the mishaps are sobering, it’s telling that most reports fell under the category of “hidden, undeclared, or misdeclared” items. Batteries, vapes, and power banks took centre stage, accounting for nearly half of all dangerous items reported, while the airlines managed to navigate through an array of other potential threats without further drama.
As things stand, the IAA continues to investigate these safety reports per Regulation (EU) 376/2014, emphasizing the need for discretion and confidentiality when handling individual cases. Still, with consumer electronics evolving at lightning speed, it raises a bigger question: where does responsibility lie, both with consumers and manufacturers, in educating themselves about the safe use of such devices in a flying environment?
In a world where flying is almost second nature, it’s essential to remain vigilant. A recent survey revealed that in 2022 alone, over 3,000 flights globally reported incidents involving dangerous goods. As the technology we rely on grows more complex, it’s more vital than ever for passengers to stay informed and ensure that their gadgets are flight-ready—safely so.
For further insights, explore the original article from RTÉ.
