In a striking shift toward enhanced airline safety, several airlines across Southeast and East Asia, spurred by a series of concerning incidents involving lithium batteries, have introduced stringent restrictions on the use of power banks during flights. Data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration illuminated the mounting urgency for these measures, reporting three incidents every two weeks in 2024, highlighting a significant increase from less than one incident per week in 2018.
One notable incident occurred in January 2025, when an Air Busan plane was engulfed in flames while preparing for departure. Although investigations are ongoing, the South Korean transport ministry suggested that a power bank may have been the culprit. This fire set off alarm bells across the aviation industry, leading South Korea to tighten regulations on power banks and other lithium battery-powered devices.
Effective March 1, 2025, all South Korean airlines are required to enforce rules mandating that power banks and e-cigarettes remain with passengers rather than being stowed in overhead bins. This regulation aims to ensure that any potential issues can be monitored closely during the flight. Air Busan responded by changing its policies to disallow power banks in overhead compartments, requiring passengers to keep them on their person at all times.
In addition to Air Busan, Singapore Airlines announced its own restrictions on March 12, declaring that starting April 1, 2025, passengers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks using onboard USB ports or utilize them to charge personal devices during flights. Scoot, the budget airline subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, will adopt the same policy as well. The airline stressed that safety is their top priority and that they regularly review in-flight regulations.
Meanwhile, Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, joined the shift by prohibiting the use and charging of power banks starting March 13, 2025. Similarly, Taiwan-based airlines estimate that the safety of passengers hinges on implementing thorough regulations regarding lithium batteries. EVA Air and China Airlines have already enforced restrictions since March 1, barring the use of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights.
Thai Airways implemented a similar rule effective March 15, 2025, solidifying the commitment of airlines in the region to address safety concerns. Additionally, the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which oversees Malaysia Airlines, announced that beginning April 1, power banks would be banned from overhead compartments, requiring them to be stowed in under-seat baggage or the seat pocket.
Passengers on Indonesia's Batik Air are also impacted by these new rules. Effective March 14, they are prohibited from using power banks in flight, with restrictions on the number of devices allowed on board. Further adding to the landscape of regulations, China has reiterated its longstanding guidance, established in 2014, stating that passengers should not charge devices using power banks during flights.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has consistently recommended that power banks be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage, ensuring a safer travel environment. A spokesperson for Air India mentioned that they are currently reviewing their policies based on industry events and regulatory recommendations, maintaining that they have not yet altered their current approach to power bank usage in flights.
As travelers in the region adapt to these new limitations on their portable charging devices, industry experts advise that power banks must fall within certain specifications to be permitted on flights. Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require advance airline approval, whereas those rated below 100Wh are allowed onboard without pre-notification. However, products exceeding 160Wh are not permitted at all.
Airlines are encouraging passengers to stay informed about their specific policies, as changes are occurring rapidly across different carriers. With increasing awareness of the potential dangers posed by lithium batteries, airline passengers must now navigate a newly regulated environment, where safety is taking precedence over convenience.
Consequently, as winter travel approaches, flyers should double-check the regulations enforced by their respective airlines regarding power bank usage. It’s crucial for passengers to stay updated well ahead of their flight date to avoid potential inconveniences at the airport.
While there have been no significant new regulations announced yet by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) concerning Indian airlines, travelers worldwide are encouraged to be aware of their airline policies in light of these safety concerns. The global trend reflects a growing commitment within the aviation industry to mitigate risks associated with lithium batteries and enhance passenger safety.
