A growing number of airlines across the globe are rolling out tougher restrictions on the carriage and use of power banks during flights, following a series of alarming fire incidents. The clampdown comes amid heightened concern over the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are the core component in power banks.
The Incident That Sparked Global Change
The regulatory shift intensified after a serious incident on January 28, 2025, when a power bank reportedly caught fire on an Airbus A321 operated by South Korea’s Air Busan. The aircraft, stationed at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, burst into flames while still on the tarmac. Fortunately, there were no fatalities as the plane was waiting for pushback, but the fire, which originated in an overhead luggage bin, destroyed the jet and prompted an international safety review.
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Investigators later confirmed that a power bank was the likely cause of the fire. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport responded swiftly, mandating from March 1, 2025, that passengers carry power banks on their person—not in overhead bins or checked luggage. The ministry also banned charging devices during flights and limited each passenger to five units.
Why Are Power Banks Dangerous?
Power banks use lithium-ion batteries prized for their high energy density. However, they come with a significant risk: overheating, catching fire, or even exploding due to manufacturing defects, damage, or exposure to extreme temperatures. One of the most dangerous failure modes is thermal runaway, which causes uncontrollable heat buildup.
In the confined, pressurized, and low-humidity environment of an aircraft cabin, the risk of a minor defect escalating into a fire becomes even more serious. This has led aviation authorities like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to issue new safety recommendations.
Global Airline Responses
Airlines across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are enforcing updated rules in line with new guidelines:
- Thai Airways: As of March 15, 2025, bans all use of power banks during flights.
- EVA Air & China Airlines: Prohibited in-flight use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries since March 1, 2025.
- Singapore Airlines: Allows power banks but restricts charging and mandates storage in carry-on only.
- Qantas Airways: Prohibits in-flight use; devices must be stored in hand luggage.
- Emirates: Permits carriage in cabin baggage but restricts usage mid-flight.
- Korean Air: Limits passengers to five devices under 100Wh; bans storage in overhead bins.
- AirAsia & Hong Kong Airlines: Ban usage during flight phases like takeoff and landing; enforce carry-on storage.
In the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority allows power banks but emphasizes protective measures to prevent short circuits. Dubai International Airport has reiterated the ban on power banks in checked luggage.
UK Airlines Also React
Airlines in the UK have updated policies in line with IATA guidelines:
- Ryanair: Permits units up to 160Wh (with approval) in hand luggage only.
- Jet2: Forbids unlabelled power banks or those with unclear capacity markings.
- easyJet: Allows only two power banks per passenger (under 100Wh), individually protected.
- British Airways: Allows two spare batteries between 100–160Wh with prior approval.
- TUI: Permits cabin-only carriage if protected in original packaging or insulated bags.
What the Rules Say
Authorities like IATA have standardized the following limits:
- Under 100Wh: Allowed in carry-on baggage without special approval.
- 100–160Wh: Permitted only with airline approval.
- Over 160Wh: Completely banned on passenger flights.
Power banks must never be placed in checked luggage, and most airlines now prohibit charging or usage during the flight.
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To ensure smooth travel and stay compliant with updated regulations:
- Always carry power banks in hand luggage.
- Check the watt-hour (Wh) rating—devices without markings may be confiscated.
- Avoid using or charging devices during flights.
- Ensure your devices are undamaged and insulated against short circuits.
- Double-check airline-specific rules before flying, especially if carrying multiple or high-capacity devices.