UK private jet deportation flight cancelled after man swallows vape battery

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Diane TaylorFebruary 15, 2026 at 11:37 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A UK Home Office deportation flight was cancelled on Thursday after an Egyptian man, scheduled for removal, swallowed a lithium vape battery. The man, a foreign national offender with a history of disruptive behavior, was due to be deported from the UK to Egypt via Albania on a chartered private flight. He was given a vape while in segregated detention prior to the flight. After swallowing the battery, he received hospital treatment and returned to detention. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including potential procedural breaches. The Home Office uses private flights for deportations, particularly for individuals deemed disruptive, and the cost of chartered flights can be substantial. The Home Office intends to proceed with the deportation as soon as possible.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ghana 30% Rwanda 30% Nigeria 30% Egyptian 40% Egypt ×560% Albania ×560% United Kingdom ×470% Mitie ×470% Home Office ×890%

Keywords

deportation flight 100% home office 80% private jet 80% lithium battery 70% mitie 60% foreign national offender 60% albania 50% egypt 50% deportation 50%