Is flying with power banks a safety hazard? Why airlines are banning them

Can you carry power banks on flights?

Flying can be stressful enough without the added concern of whether your charger is allowed on board.

Several airlines in Asia are now strengthening regulations on carrying power banks during flights.

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Notably, these portable devices are commonly used by travellers to charge phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment on long-haul journeys.

But why are airlines across Asia restricting power banks? Which airlines have updated their policies, and what are the rules for carrying power banks on flights in India?

We will answer all these questions. Let’s begin:

Why Asian airlines are restricting power banks on flights

A portable power bank typically contains a lithium battery, which was recently identified as a possible cause of a fire that broke out on an **Air Busan aircraft** in January while it was preparing for takeoff.

Investigators discovered “multiple electrical melting marks from the remains of a power bank,” South Korea’s transport ministry stated in a press release.

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As a result, airlines have begun imposing stricter regulations on carrying lithium batteries on flights, mainly due to incidents of overheating and onboard fires.

According to a CNN report, issues related to manufacturing defects, improper usage, and battery ageing can increase risks. Since lithium batteries contain flammable materials, they can pose a fire hazard during flights. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recorded over 500 in-flight incidents involving lithium batteries causing smoke, fire, or extreme heat in the past 20 years.

The International Civil Aviation Organization, which oversees global aviation regulations, prohibited lithium-ion batteries from being transported in the cargo holds of passenger planes in 2016. However, specific rules vary across different airlines.

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Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in power banks due to their high energy storage capacity and affordability, Chrystal Zhang, Associate Professor at RMIT University’s STEM College, told CNN. Their ability to store significant power without adding excessive weight makes them a preferred choice for high-capacity power banks.

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What is the main issue with lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, drones, smart wearables, as well as electric bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles.

These batteries can overheat due to a process known as “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction that may result in a fire or even a dangerous explosion.

Power banks, which rely on lithium-ion batteries, contain highly reactive and flammable materials, Sonya Brown, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Design at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, told CNN.

She stated, “Lithium batteries could act as an ignition source themselves, or as a source of fuel for a fire initiated elsewhere. The potential risk as an ignition source is increased when lithium batteries are damaged, swollen, include manufacturing defects, are over-charged or over-heated.”

Brown also told the media outlet that accidental contact with other battery terminals “can cause unintended discharge.” She recommended that power banks and spare batteries be covered with non-conductive material or packed separately to prevent contact with other metals.

Which Asian airlines have banned power banks?

With increasing reports of fires and safety warnings linked to lithium-ion batteries, airlines have put restrictions on power banks.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will enforce stricter rules from April 1, prohibiting passengers from charging power banks via onboard USB ports or using them to charge personal devices.

In South Korea, new nationwide restrictions came into effect this month, banning passengers from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead cabins on all domestic airlines. Instead, passengers must keep them in the seat pocket or under the seat, according to CNN.

Thai Airways announced that from March 15, passengers will no longer be allowed to use or charge power banks during flights. The airline cited “incidents of in-flight fires on international airlines, suspected to be linked to power bank usage.”

Low-cost carrier AirAsia has also imposed restrictions, requiring passengers to store power banks under the seat or in the seat pocket while banning the charging of portable electronic devices throughout the flight.

Taiwan’s leading airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Uni Air, have similarly restricted the use of portable chargers during flights.

Hong Kong’s aviation authority has announced a ban on passengers using power banks in-flight or storing lithium batteries in overhead compartments, effective April 7.

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What are the rules in India?

In India, airlines prohibit passengers from carrying power banks in checked-in luggage.

Aviation expert and analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar told The Indian Express that power banks are only allowed in hand baggage or carry-on luggage, subject to specific restrictions.

According to the report, airlines permit passengers to carry up to two power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh in hand baggage. Those between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval, while power banks exceeding 160Wh are generally not allowed on board.

“If in doubt, the passenger should declare their power bank at the check-in counter to be suitably informed and guided by the airline staff for their carriage,” Vandekar recommended.

What happens if you have a power bank in checked luggage?

Batteries can generate intense heat and even catch fire if they short-circuit or sustain damage.

Exposure to water or other elements can also lead to a fire or explosion, posing a serious risk - especially when stored in the aircraft hold, where incidents may go unnoticed.

If a battery starts emitting smoke or ignites mid-flight, cabin crew members are usually trained to extinguish it with water or secure it in “thermal containment bags,” The Telegraph UK said in a report.

In cases where the fire is difficult to control, the aircraft may be forced to make an emergency landing.

Can you still carry a power bank on your next trip?

Yes, power banks are allowed on flights, but they must be packed in carry-on baggage, as per regulations set by the administration.

According to CNN, most airlines permit each passenger to carry up to two lithium-ion power banks with a capacity between 100 and 160 Watt-hours (Wh) in the cabin.

However, whether passengers can use them during the flight depends on the airline’s policies, with some exceptions made for portable medical devices.