Starting April 1, 2025, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, will impose strict restrictions on the use of power banks during flights. Passengers will not be allowed to charge power banks from onboard USB ports or use them for charging personal devices throughout the flight, as confirmed by the airlines on March 12, 2025.
Passengers can still carry power banks onto the aircraft, but they must be kept in cabin baggage and not stored in checked luggage. This regulation follows the guidelines laid out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) concerning the transportation of lithium batteries. Power banks with capacities of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) can be brought on board without prior approval, but those ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh require airline approval. Power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly forbidden on all flights.
The move by Singapore Airlines and Scoot aligns with the actions of other airlines across Asia, including Thai Airways, which announced it would also ban power banks starting March 15, 2025. Similarly, Taiwanese carriers Eva Air and China Airlines recently prohibited their use after several serious incidents.
Reports indicate concerns stemming from past events where power banks have caused fires during flights. For example, two passengers aboard Scoot experienced injuries after their power bank overheated and ignited during preparation for takeoff at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. On the other hand, January's Air Busan incident saw flames erupt from the overhead luggage compartment, impacting the entire cabin. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident, but it prompted immediate safety reviews among airlines.
A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines stated, "We seek customers' understandings; safety will always be our top priority." The enhancement of these safety measures demonstrates the growing caution among international air carriers concerning carrying lithium battery-powered devices. Their growing popularity and potential hazard have astonishingly prompted swift regulatory changes across the industry.
Passengers remain advised to observe proper handling of their power banks, which play such integral parts in modern-day travel. The increased diligence ensures no risks are overlooked, especially during the aircraft's operation phase, hence the emphasized bans on onboard charging.
This precaution is mirrored by several Australian airlines, including Qantas. Their regulations dictate similar responsibilities, with clear instructions to keep non-removable lithium batteries out of checked luggage. Should these batteries be contained within baggage, they are required to be removed and stored separately as carry-on items. Virgin Australia echoes these sentiments, firmly advising passengers to protect spare batteries against unintentional short circuits.
Despite increasing restrictions, some airlines, such as Cathay Pacific Airways, remain lenient, asserting they've evaluated risks associated with power banks. This airline currently allows passengers to bring power banks and charge devices up to 160Wh inside the cabin, as long as they refrain from powering these devices through the inflight outlets.
Safety remains the cornerstone of all regulations, as acknowledged by major air travel entities. Thai Airways issued its guidelines, emphasizing the enforcement of this measure to secure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew. Their reconsideration stems from air incidents around the world, which demonstrate the hazards entailed with portable charging devices.
Consequently, as these regulations take effect, travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of their preferred airlines. Striking harmony between convenience and safety will be pivotal for avoiding potential inconveniences during travel. Adapting to these new norms will inevitably shape the way passengers approach the use of such devices during air travel—a dedication to fostering airline safety and operational integrity.