Following recent incidents related to international flight safety, particularly concerning the potential hazards posed by power banks, Thai Airways has announced strict measures aimed at ensuring passenger safety. Effective from March 15, 2025, the airline will prohibit the use of power banks during flights.
This decision aligns with similar measures adopted by various international airlines. Reports suggest concerns stemmed from a fire incident involving Air Busan late last year, prompting airlines globally to reconsider safety protocols concerning electronic devices on board.
On March 7, 2025, Thai Airways publicly declared the ban, stating it was necessary to uphold high safety standards for both passengers and crew members. Acknowledging the importance of compliance, the airline urged all travelers to adhere to the new guidelines and expressed regrets for any inconvenience this may cause.
Before this announcement, international efforts to regulate the use of power banks had already been underway. Several carriers, including EVA Air and Air China, began implementing their restrictions following safety evaluations. The guidelines are based on recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which include caps on the sizes of power banks passengers can carry.
The specifications are as follows: passengers may bring power banks with capacities up to 100 Wh (Watt-Hour) or 20,000 mAh (milliampere-hour) and can carry up to 20 units. For power banks exceeding this capacity but not surpassing 160 Wh, the limit is reduced to two units. Power banks with capacities over 160 Wh are entirely prohibited on board.
While airlines like STARLUX Airlines have adhered to these policies since as early as 2018, the urgency for additional regulations was highlighted following the fire incident noted earlier. This incident caused airlines to reevaluate device usage policies, leading to the current prohibitions on charging power banks aboard flights.
The Korean Transport Ministry has also taken significant steps, introducing regulations intended to improve passenger safety. These measures include restrictions on carrying power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead compartments.
Incidentally, the recent guidelines aim to not only manage power bank usage but also to prevent scenarios where these devices might become fire hazards during flights. After the turmoil surrounding the Air Busan incident, airlines are uniformly enhancing safety protocols. Reports indicate similar patterns of device malfunctions have resulted in greater scrutiny of electronic device regulations across the industry.
Travelers should be advised to prepare accordingly by thoroughly checking their electronic devices' specifications before boarding their flights. It is recommended to carry only the approved number and type of power banks to facilitate smoother travel experiences.
While the move to ban power bank usage may serve as an inconvenience to some, the overriding priority remains clear—safeguarding the well-being of those traveling. Thai Airways, along with numerous international airlines, will continue to monitor the situation and determine if additional changes to their safety policies may be required.