Airlines Tighten Rules On Power Banks Amid Fire Safety Concerns; Here’s All You Need To Know!

Power banks have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, especially while travelling. Our heavy reliance on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets has consequently made power banks an essential item. Whether you’re catching up on emails, watching movies, or just staying connected, these devices have become our lifeline during flights. But recently, a few airlines have put new rules in place that restrict the use and charging of power banks during flights. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and why they’re happening.

Major Airlines Ban Power Bank Use Mid-Flight

[Advisory]

Effective 1st April 2025, Singapore Airlines customers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices, throughout the duration of the flight.

The SIA Group complies with the…

— Singapore Airlines (@SingaporeAir) March 12, 2025

Along with a number of other Asian airlines, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost carrier division Scoot will implement a ban on the use or charging of power banks on board, starting on April 1, 2025. This is certainly not a total ban on bringing power banks on board. While they are still allowed in your carry-on bag, you will not be allowed to use or charge them while in flight.

In the past few months, airlines like Batik Air and Air Busan have experienced dangerous cabin fires linked to power banks, The Straits Times reported. These fire risks of lithium-ion batteries have certainly become a major concern for airlines.

One of the more infamous incidents occurred on an Airbus A321 in January 2025. As per the Economic Times reports, the plane was forced out of service due to a suspected thermal runaway (a battery fire) event. It is suspected that the fire originated from the overhead bins. The aircraft was declared irreparable due to the severity of the damage. Consequently, a number of airlines are enforcing stricter rules that prohibit the use and charging of power banks while in flight. 

What Makes The Power Banks A Risk?

The primary reason behind these restrictions is the growing concern over lithium-ion batteries used in power banks. These batteries are not only powerful and efficient but can also pose a fire hazard. The most significant danger associated with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway. During this process, the battery overheats and produces heat on its own. It can start a chain reaction that is hard to break. In some cases, thermal runaway can result in fire or explosion. It can be particularly problematic in the tight quarters of an aircraft.

Also Read: Airport Theory: The Bold Travel Hack That Could Cost You Your Flight

What Do The New Rules Mean For Passengers?

These changes have one main effect: power banks are still allowed to be carried on board, but they cannot be used while in flight. Power banks are allowed to be brought on flights, but they must be kept in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage.

Capacity Limits For Singapore Airlines:

• Power banks up to 100Wh can be carried without notifying the airline.
• Special approval is needed between 100Wh and 160Wh.

Using a power bank to charge your devices during flight or charging the power bank from the in-seat USB port is no longer permitted on certain airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Eva Air.

Times Now News reports that South Korean airlines have implemented extra safety measures. They have implemented a ban on storing the power banks in overhead compartments. They must be kept in the passenger’s seat pocket or in a protective pouch.

Power banks pose a serious fire risk, so it should not be ignored. With the confined space of an airplane, these types of fires are a serious concern. By limiting power bank usage, the chances of such an event happening mid-flight can also be lowered.

To prevent disasters, airlines have adopted these precautionary measures based on the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines, which have long prohibited lithium-ion batteries from being placed in checked baggage.

Even though power banks are still a necessary travel accessory, the security of the passengers and crew is of utmost importance. So next time you travel, make sure you’ve got a fully charged device and your power bank safely stored.

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