AVIATION SAFETY AND LITHIUM BATTERIES: A NECESSARY ANALYSIS BETWEEN OFFICIAL DATA AND OPERATIONAL REALITY
By Giuseppe Lo Turco
An event that occurred in September 2024 at Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS), involving a Boeing 737 during taxiing which led to an emergency evacuation following the overheating of a power bank, represents a significant case study for the aviation sector.
Although the episode concluded without consequences for the passengers thanks to the crew's promptness, it offers an opportunity for a broader reflection on the real incidence of these phenomena and the perception of risk.
The Technical Phenomenon: Understanding Thermal Runaway
In an aeronautical context, what is commonly defined as a "fire" is more accurately a thermal runaway: an uncontrolled chemical reaction within the battery cells. Once triggered by short circuit, damage, or overheating the reaction causes:
- A rapid release of energy (extreme heat);
- The emission of toxic gases;
- The development of self-sustaining flames.
The phenomenon can propagate to adjacent cells (domino effect), making extinction complex even with traditional means. In a pressurized environment, management requires specific protocols and advanced training.
Electronic Devices: A Mapping of Operational Risk
It is not only power banks and mobile phones that constitute a risk. Various everyday electronic devices can trigger critical phenomena:
- Laptops and Tablets: Large-capacity batteries subject to intense charge/discharge cycles.
- E-cigarettes (Vapes): Frequently involved in events due to short circuits or improper use.
- Drones and Digital Cameras: High-capacity LiPo battery packs, often carried in multiple units.
- Portable Medical Devices (CPAP/Insulin Pumps): Life-saving instruments that require constant monitoring.
Statistics: A Necessarily Incomplete View
According to official data (FAA), 97 verified events related to lithium batteries on board were recorded in 2025, confirming a steady upward trend observed in recent years. Projections for 2026 indicate a global frequency of approximately two events per week.
However, it is essential to highlight a structural limitation: official databases rely largely on voluntary reporting from approximately 75 airlines out of more than 700 operating worldwide. This suggests the existence of a "gray area" of minor episodes managed on board that never enter official statistics.
Awareness and Safety Culture
The objective of this analysis is not to generate alarm, but to strengthen the safety culture. Every electronic device carried on board represents a potential source of chemical energy.
- For Operators: It confirms the importance of "Fire/Smoke" training and the use of dedicated containment devices (Fire Containment Bags).
- For Passengers: It draws attention to the quality of devices and reinforces compliance with onboard regulations (e.g., no unattended charging).
Conclusion
Events like the one in Marseille demonstrate the effectiveness of procedures and crew training. However, the future of aviation safety will increasingly depend on:
- Greater data transparency;
- More capillary collection systems;
- The integration of operational experience and statistical analysis.
Only in this way can statistics evolve from a descriptive tool into a concrete lever for prevention.
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