Luggage cart catches fire after being unloaded from British Airways flight
A baggage cart carrying suitcases unloaded from a British Airways flight caught fire at Milan Malpensa Airport. The incident happened at Terminal 1 shortly before 13:00 local time on Sunday, August 16.
Video taken at the airport and shared on social media shows flames engulfing baggage and equipment on the apron as ground staff attempt to control the fire.
Airport firefighters subsequently extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported. Aviapartner ground-handling staff moved other baggage containers away from the fire to prevent it from spreading. The company provides passenger and ramp handling services at Malpensa.
What caused the Malpensa baggage fire?
Early speculation was that a lithium-ion battery packed inside baggage may have entered thermal runaway, causing the fire. This was suggested in a tweet from a journalist present at the airport who shared a video of the fire.
Video of fire on baggage container with luggage to be loaded onto BA585 just now at Milan Malpensa. Smart move to get the other containers out of the way before fire spread. If cause was lithium battery glad fire was there and not on plane pic.twitter.com/hlcleDC0Ak
— Jon Sopel (@jonsopel) August 16, 2026
However, later reporting discounted a faulty lithium-ion battery as the source of the flames and instead attributed them to a possible short circuit in the baggage cart.
British Airways confirms passenger baggage damaged in Malpensa fire
British Airways has confirmed that some passengers’ checked bags, which were being transported on the cart in question, were damaged by the fire.
“We’re aware of small a number of checked bags that were damaged by fire while on the ground in Milan Malpensa Airport,” a British Airways spokesperson told Aerospace Global News. “The incident was quickly dealt with, and there were no injuries or impact to any flights. We’ve been in contact with the small number of customers whose bags are affected to apologise and provide support. We are working closely with our partners, and an investigation is underway to establish the cause.”
Why lithium batteries in checked baggage are a concern
Lithium batteries can enter a condition known as thermal runaway if damaged, overheated or short-circuited. The resulting reaction can produce intense heat, fire and produce potentially toxic smoke.
The US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have both banned spare lithium batteries and power banks in checked baggage, as have other global regulators. These must instead travel in the aircraft cabin.
EASA recommends that electronic devices containing lithium batteries, including phones, laptops and cameras, are also carried in hand baggage where possible.
The International Air Transport Association has highlighted passenger awareness of lithium ion battery risk as a continuing problem. A survey published alongside its 2025 lithium battery safety campaign found that 45% of respondents incorrectly believed power banks could be placed in checked baggage.
Although a lithium battery may not have caused Sunday’s fire at Malpensa, the discussion about batteries following this incident may help better inform passengers about the dangers.
