A brief video clip capturing a cloud of smoke and luggage items scattered across the floor has sparked widespread concern among thousands of Cubans on social media.
One of the first outlets to report on the incident was Cubanos por el Mundo, sharing the footage with the caption: "Moment when a passenger's EcoFlow explodes at Miami International Airport en route to Cuba."
However, Univision Miami journalist Javier Díaz stepped in to clarify the situation.
"The footage began circulating on July 14, but the explosion actually took place several days earlier. The video is shocking due to the potential danger it poses," Díaz explained in his social media report.
Details of the Incident
Miami International Airport released an official statement with precise details about the incident:
"On July 9, shortly before 3:00 AM, a minor fire erupted at one of the check-in counters in the Central Terminal due to a lithium battery igniting inside a passenger's luggage."
Airport authorities reported that the situation was swiftly managed: a Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputy extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher, with no injuries or flight cancellations reported.
The luggage belonged to a passenger heading to Cuba.
Social media posts identified the device involved as an EcoFlow, a portable power station with a lithium battery, which has become essential for countless Cuban families facing power outages exceeding twenty hours daily.
However, the statement quoted by Javier Díaz did not specify this detail.
Passengers Adjusting Luggage at the Airport
Díaz's report highlighted a familiar scene at Miami: passengers bound for Cuba rearranging their luggage after discovering they had packed lithium batteries in their checked bags, which is strictly forbidden.
One interviewed passenger mentioned carrying two portable batteries and being informed by authorities that they couldn't check them in, so she decided to carry one herself and her husband the other as part of their carry-on luggage.
"We need to bring 10, 15, or even 20 batteries because when the electricity goes out in Cuba, the blackouts last for many days," the passenger explained.
Essential Travel Regulations
Díaz was firm in his warning:
"When traveling to Cuba, people bring all kinds of batteries, but you cannot have a lithium battery in the cargo hold. It must be in your carry-on luggage, and you cannot exceed two lithium batteries because they can be extremely dangerous."
The journalist also cautioned about the consequences of concealing information during check-in:
"Under no circumstances should you lie when checking in for this trip to Cuba because hiding any type of device can be extremely dangerous, especially when the plane is in the air."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations are clear: spare lithium batteries must travel solely in carry-on luggage, with a maximum of two units up to 100 Wh per passenger. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft.
The incident must be understood in the context of Cuba's severe energy crisis. On July 10, the generation deficit reached a historic high of 2,341 MW, with blackouts in provinces like Matanzas lasting over 85 consecutive hours.
The National Electric System collapsed for the fourth time in 2026, leading to a surge in demand for backup power equipment among Cuban families and their relatives abroad.
Understanding Lithium Battery Rules for Air Travel
Why are lithium batteries considered dangerous on flights?
Lithium batteries pose a risk of fire or explosion, especially in the confined space of an aircraft. Their potential to ignite is why they are subject to strict regulations.
What are the FAA guidelines for carrying lithium batteries on planes?
The FAA allows passengers to carry up to two spare lithium batteries in their carry-on luggage, each with a maximum of 100 Wh. Batteries over 160 Wh are not allowed on passenger planes.
How should passengers prepare their luggage with lithium batteries?
Passengers should ensure lithium batteries are only in their carry-on bags and not in checked luggage. It's crucial to adhere to the two-battery rule to avoid potential hazards.