News Summary
A Southwest Airlines flight from Baltimore to Tampa was diverted to Myrtle Beach International Airport after a passenger’s battery charger overheated and emitted smoke. The incident occurred at 40,000 feet and required the flight crew to follow safety protocols. Passengers faced a significant delay as a replacement aircraft was arranged. The event highlighted ongoing safety concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries on flights, prompting updated safety policies by Southwest Airlines to ensure such devices are visible during use.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A Southwest Airlines flight, WN-1844, traveling from Baltimore to Tampa, was diverted to Myrtle Beach International Airport after a passenger’s battery charger overheated, emitting smoke. The flight incident occurred around 6 p.m. while the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 40,000 feet, approximately 80 nautical miles southeast of the Myrtle Beach area.
The flight crew demonstrated quick response times, following safety protocols to address the situation. Despite the overheating charger, they continued flying for an additional 20 minutes before safely landing the aircraft on runway 36 at Myrtle Beach. Upon landing, the flight attendants placed the charger in a containment bag to prevent any further issues.
Passengers experienced a delay of about four and a half hours before a replacement aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration N8947Q, transported them to Tampa. The original aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 (registration N7713A), was returned to service approximately 16 hours following the emergency landing, highlighting the airline’s efficiency in addressing emergencies and minimizing downtime.
This incident reiterates ongoing safety concerns surrounding the use of lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights. Following a series of similar emergencies, Southwest Airlines has updated its safety policies, now requiring passengers to keep portable charging devices and power banks visible when in use. The revised regulations prohibit storing such chargers in carry-on bags or overhead bins during charging so that flight crews can quickly respond to any potential malfunctions.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), one of the nine lithium battery incidents recorded this year was linked to a battery pack. Historically, lithium battery packs have caused a majority of inflight fire hazards over the last two decades. An example of this danger occurred earlier in January when an Air Busan aircraft experienced a fire due to lithium batteries stored in an overhead luggage compartment, resulting in a large-scale emergency evacuation.
In response to earlier close calls and fire hazards associated with lithium-ion devices, aviation safety specialists have commended Southwest Airlines’ proactive measures. Incidents such as a recent fire aboard an Airbus A321-200 in South Korea, which injured four individuals during evacuation, have heightened awareness of the potential risks of these batteries.
Another notable event involved a Southwest flight out of El Paso that returned to the gate after a passenger’s phone battery caught fire while the aircraft was taxiing on May 1, 2025. This incident further emphasizes the importance of prompt action from flight crews in emergency situations.
The updated policies from Southwest Airlines aim to mitigate the risks linked to lithium-ion batteries, reflecting the urgent need for stringent safety protocols from airlines and regulatory bodies. Cooperation from passengers in adhering to these safety instructions is vital for minimizing the hazards associated with electrical fires during flights.
As incidents related to lithium-ion devices continue to rise, the aviation industry remains vigilant in maintaining safety measures and educating travelers about proper usage of electronic devices onboard the aircraft. The emphasis on visible chargers and proactive flight crew responses demonstrates the commitment of airlines to passenger safety while traveling.
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Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World
- Simple Flying
- Aviation Source News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Lithium-ion battery Safety
