On Saturday, May 10, 2025, a JetBlue Airbus A320-200 was compelled to divert its flight and make an emergency landing in Nassau, Bahamas, following an incident where a portable charger in a passenger's carry-on luggage ignited mid-flight. The flight, uneventful during its first hour, took a worrying turn approximately 50 miles from Nassau during its descent. Smoke filled the cabin, prompting the crew to declare an emergency to Nassau Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The flight attendants quickly identified the source of the smoke as a burning portable charger. The cabin crew extinguished the fire swiftly using water and secured the device in the forward lavatory trash bin. The aircraft landed safely on runway 14 in Nassau, with no reported injuries to passengers or crew. The Air Accident Investigation Authority of the Bahamas is investigating the incident to determine its cause.

The aircraft involved, an Airbus A320-200 registered as N584JB, was 21 years old, having been delivered to JetBlue in 2004, making it one of the older models in their A320 fleet. Despite its age, the aircraft had no prior significant incidents. The crew's quick actions were critical in containing the fire and preventing further damage. Following a thorough inspection and cleanup, the aircraft was cleared for service the next day.

JetBlue operates multiple flights to Nassau from U.S. cities like Fort Lauderdale, Boston, New York JFK, and Orlando. The route to Fort Lauderdale is particularly frequent, with up to three daily flights using both A320 aircraft and the smaller A220.

This JetBlue incident highlights increasing concerns within the aviation industry regarding the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, commonly found in electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, can overheat or ignite if damaged. FAA data indicates that lithium-ion battery fires on U.S. flights now occur nearly twice a week, representing a 400% increase over the past decade.

The FAA has requested increased awareness and improved safety communication from airlines, particularly during pre-flight briefings. A survey by UL Standards & Engagement revealed that 87% of flight attendants are deeply concerned about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. While passengers are prohibited from carrying these batteries in checked baggage, many travelers are unaware of this rule. Over 25% of passengers admitted to checking baggage containing lithium-ion batteries.

This isn't the first time JetBlue has dealt with battery-related fires. Several prior incidents include:

• May 2017: A flight from New York JFK to San Francisco diverted after a passenger's backpack caught fire due to a battery.
• December 2022: A flight from Bridgetown to New York JFK evacuated after a battery fire during taxiing. Seven passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
• October 2023: A backpack fire at New York JFK caused severe burns to the owner and resulted in the plane's evacuation.
• September 2024: A flight from New York JFK to San Diego diverted to Salina, Kansas, after smoke was detected in the cargo hold.

These incidents underscore the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in aviation. Travelers are urged to carry these devices in the cabin and never transport them in checked baggage. If a device or battery shows signs of overheating or discoloration, the crew should be notified immediately.

As incidents related to lithium-ion batteries continue to rise, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to improve safety protocols and raise awareness among travelers regarding the potential hazards of these batteries.