Air France Flight Returns to Origin Airport After Passenger Misplaces Phone Mid-Air
An Air France flight en route to the Caribbean was compelled to reverse course and return to its departure airport mid-flight due to a passenger’s misplaced mobile phone, according to reports. The incident highlights airline protocols regarding electronic devices and flight safety.
Flight Details and Incident Timeline
Air France flight AF750, traveling from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) in Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, was forced to turn back to Paris approximately two hours after takeoff. This disruption was reported by various news outlets.
Flight Path and Re-departure
According to data from FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the aircraft departed from Paris Orly around 12:00 PM CET and landed back at the same airport at 2:37 PM CET. Flight maps indicate the plane flew over the Atlantic, making a loop off the French west coast before returning. The flight subsequently resumed its journey to Pointe-à-Pitre, taking off again at 4:13 PM CET, as per FlightAware. The typical flight duration is approximately nine hours.
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Passenger’s Lost Phone Prompts Flight Diversion
The unscheduled return to Paris Orly Airport was initiated because a passenger realized their phone was missing and could not locate it, according to sources. Further particulars regarding the event were not immediately available. Air France has been contacted for comment on the situation.
Airline Policies on Electronic Devices
Airlines, including Air France, maintain strict regulations concerning electronic devices onboard flights. Air France’s policy stipulates that portable electronic devices with fuel cells are permitted in the cabin. Batteries under 100 Wh are allowed in both the cabin and checked baggage.
FAA Regulations and Device Usage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and most airlines require passengers to switch off electronic devices or enable “airplane mode” during takeoff and landing. This is because cell phone signals have the potential to interfere with critical aircraft systems, including navigation and communication instruments.
Concerns Over Electronic Device Safety on Flights
The FAA’s website notes a significant number of incidents involving electronic devices during flights. Between March 2006 and February 2025, there were 86 reported cases of cell phones emitting smoke, catching fire, or overheating on flights.
Battery Pack Incidents
Battery packs, particularly lithium batteries in electronic devices, are a major cause of aviation incidents. The FAA recorded 236 aviation incidents related to lithium batteries in devices between March 2006 and February 2025.
Recent Incidents and Regulatory Responses
In the past year, 85 aviation incidents involved electronic devices overheating, with 6 incidents reported in 2025 alone, according to FAA data. Due to safety concerns stemming from portable charger fires on aircraft, Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has prohibited the use of battery packs during flights, as reported by Bloomberg. Similarly, Thai Airways implemented a ban on passenger use of battery packs on flights starting March 15, 2025.