An Air France flight headed to the Caribbean was forced to turn around and return to Paris after a surprising issue mid-flight â a passenger lost their phone. The plane was two hours into its nine-hour journey to Pointe-Ă -Pitre when the crew made the decision to go back.
At first, it might not seem like a lost phone is a big deal. But flight safety experts explain that smartphones and other devices that use lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if they are damaged or overheated. These batteries can start fires, which is extremely risky in a small, enclosed space like an airplane cabin.
Because of this potential fire hazard, the Air France crew took no chances. Once the plane landed safely back in Paris, maintenance workers carried out a full search to find the phone. According to The Independent, the device was eventually found, and after a 20-minute delay, the flight was cleared for takeoff once again.
Although the situation may seem unusual, the airline followed safety procedures to protect everyone on board. Itâs a reminder of how serious airlines take battery-related risks and why passengers should always keep track of their electronic devices during flights.