Airlines tighten rules on power banks after in-flight fire risks; here are the latest regulations

Modern life depends on lithium-based rechargeable batteries, which turn power on for smartphones and tablets and also provide electric vehicles and solar-powered homes with their energy needs.

Thermal runaway occurs when batteries experience harm or receive substandard management. This leads to dangerous levels of heat, combined with smoke and potential for fires. The aviation industry faces serious safety concerns because of this risk, which led to airline policies undergoing modifications.

Battery-related incident raise serious safety concerns

The incidence of thermal runaway events has increased throughout various Asian airline operations. An Airbus A321 experienced a critical thermal runaway incident which occurred at Busan’s Gimhae International Airport on January 28, 2025. The aircraft experienced a dangerous fire, which broke out when the plane was on the departure runway. The extent of damage made maintenance workers label the aircraft as unrepairable. Authorities believe that the suspected origin of the fire, which remains unknown, started in the overhead bins of the airplane through either a portable power bank or another undisclosed cause.


Different Asian airlines have introduced flight restrictions against power bank utilisation during air travel following this specific incident. The federal restrictions let passengers take power banks aboard the aircraft in hand baggage, yet middle-flight use or charging has been banned. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of South Korea has declared that power banks together with e-cigarettes are prohibited from overhead compartments on all South Korean-operated flights from March 1, 2025.

Also Read : USAA settles $3.25 million lawsuit over 2021 data breach affecting 22,000 customers

New regulations and airline policies

• The policies of airlines regarding power banks vary slightly, yet they all work toward minimizing fire risks on board. The following contains an overview of present-day airline policies.
  
• The rules for South Korean Airlines require passengers to maintain their extra batteries and e-cigarettes either on their bodies or within the area of their sight. The storage of power banks must be carried out with protective pouches, or they should be insulated.
  
• Beginning March 1, 2025, EVA Air (Taiwan) will prohibit both power banks and their usage during flight time. Travelers should properly charge their equipment before stepping onto the flight. All power banks need to remain with passengers throughout their flight and cannot enter the cargo compartment.
  
• Starlux Taiwan established its ban on power bank usage since it started operating flights in 2018.
  
• Tigerair Taiwan (Taiwan) prohibits passengers from carrying power banks unless they bear distinct specification labels. Passengers must avoid all use of power banks completely throughout their flight journey.
  
• China Airlines (China) together with UNI Air (Taiwan) discourages their passengers from flying with power banks, yet they prescribe specific packaging guidelines during flights.
  

The future of battery safety in aviation

Multiple European flight companies, along with Asian carriers, enforce equivalent restrictions on battery-powered devices in their airplanes. The worldwide prohibition of battery usage could expand through increased capabilities of charging ports on aircraft.

Also Read: With Love, Meghan: Meghan Markle's show renewed for second season by Netflix

Travellers need full understanding regarding airline rules when it comes to portable power bank transport. The built-in in-seat charging capability of your airline becomes a feature you should make use of. The best approach to trouble-free travel involves device charging prior to flight time or while waiting at airport terminals. Passengers will have to transform their practices due to priority battery safety requirements in the evolving aviation sector.

FAQs:

1. Why are airlines banning the use of power banks during flights?
Airlines are implementing these restrictions due to safety concerns following incidents where lithium batteries overheated, causing fire hazards. Preventing their usage mid-flight reduces the risk of thermal runaway.

2. Can passengers still carry power banks on flights?
Yes, passengers can carry power banks, but they must keep them in carry-on baggage. Many airlines now prohibit their usage or charging during flights for safety reasons.