Due to Frequent Fires, 7 Airlines Prohibit Carrying Power Banks on Flights

Power banks have become essential devices for charging mobile phones and laptops while travelling. However, despite their utility, the lithium-ion components within them pose a significant fire risk if they suffer damage, misuse, or due to the age of the device.

This danger is underscored by data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has recorded over 500 incidents related to lithium batteries over the last two decades. These reports include various emergencies, ranging from smoke and fire to extreme heat.

The following is a list of airlines that have prohibited or tightened regulations regarding power banks on aircraft:

1. AirAsia: Passengers are only permitted to carry power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). This is intended to enhance flight safety and minimise the risk of battery-related incidents during flights.

2. Thai Airways: Thai Airways has officially prohibited the use and charging of power banks inside the aircraft as of 15 March. This step was taken following several fire incidents on international airlines suspected to have originated from power banks.

3. South Korean Airlines: South Korea has officially prohibited passengers from storing power banks in the aircraft cabin. Under these rules, devices must only be stored in seat pockets or under the passenger’s seat. Charging power banks via USB ports at the seat is also prohibited.

4. Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines prohibits passengers from charging devices using power banks during flights. Charging via the aircraft’s USB ports is also not permitted.

5. EVA Air: The airline has also prohibited the use of portable chargers mid-flight to ensure flight safety. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage; these batteries must be carried in cabin baggage and stored correctly to prevent compression or damage.

6. Hong Kong Airlines: Hong Kong aviation authorities have prohibited the use of power banks during flights starting 7 April, following a fire incident on a Hong Kong Airlines flight travelling from Hangzhou.

7. Emirates: Emirates prohibits the use of power banks during its flights. The new rule will take effect from 1 October 2025. In an announcement on its official website, Emirates stated that power banks may still be brought into the cabin, but they may not be used to charge other devices, nor may the power banks themselves be charged using the aircraft’s power sources.