Airlines are implementing new rules regarding power banks due to safety concerns, primarily stemming from recent incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. Here are the main reasons the regulations are being imposed:
Fire hazards: Lithium-ion batteries in power banks can overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire, posing serious risks in the confined space of an aircraft cabin15.
Recent incidents: A significant catalyst for these new restrictions was a fire on an Air Busan flight in January 2025. The blaze, believed to be caused by a power bank in the overhead compartment, resulted in injuries and extensive damage to the aircraft.
Preventive measures: Airlines are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential risks associated with power banks and ensure passenger safety during flights.
Compliance with aviation safety regulations: These new rules align with broader efforts by international aviation safety regulators to address the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in air travel.
Public anxiety: The incidents have raised concerns among passengers, prompting airlines and regulatory bodies to strengthen guidance and management procedures for power banks.
Here is a list of the airlines making the changes:
Eva Air
Effective March 1, 2025: Use and charging of power banks prohibited during flights
Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only
Properly store power banks to prevent compression or damage
China Airlines
New restrictions on power banks effective March 1, 2025 (specific details not provided
Air Busan
Complete ban on power banks following a fire incident
Qantas
Power banks forbidden in checked baggage
Must be carried in carry-on baggage only
Non-lithium batteries/power banks can remain in bags (carry-on or checked
Virgin Australia
Power banks must be in carry-on baggage only
Must be protected against short circuit by:
a) Placing in original retail packaging
b) Placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch
c) Insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals1
General airline regulations (applicable to most airlines)
Power banks up to 100Wh allowed in carry-on baggage without approval
Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh allowed in carry-on with airline approval
Maximum of two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh per passenger
Power banks over 160Wh prohibited on passenger aircraft
Must be for personal use only and in good condition
Terminals should be protected to prevent short circuits
What was the main incident that led to the change?
Air Busan Flight 391 (January 28, 2025)
Fire hazards: Lithium-ion batteries in power banks can overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire, posing serious risks in the confined space of an aircraft cabin15.
Recent incidents: A significant catalyst for these new restrictions was a fire on an Air Busan flight in January 2025. The blaze, believed to be caused by a power bank in the overhead compartment, resulted in injuries and extensive damage to the aircraft.
Preventive measures: Airlines are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential risks associated with power banks and ensure passenger safety during flights.
Compliance with aviation safety regulations: These new rules align with broader efforts by international aviation safety regulators to address the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in air travel.
Public anxiety: The incidents have raised concerns among passengers, prompting airlines and regulatory bodies to strengthen guidance and management procedures for power banks.
Here is a list of the airlines making the changes:
Eva Air
Effective March 1, 2025: Use and charging of power banks prohibited during flights
Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only
Properly store power banks to prevent compression or damage
China Airlines
New restrictions on power banks effective March 1, 2025 (specific details not provided
Air Busan
Complete ban on power banks following a fire incident
Qantas
Power banks forbidden in checked baggage
Must be carried in carry-on baggage only
Non-lithium batteries/power banks can remain in bags (carry-on or checked
Virgin Australia
Power banks must be in carry-on baggage only
Must be protected against short circuit by:
a) Placing in original retail packaging
b) Placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch
c) Insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals1
General airline regulations (applicable to most airlines)
Power banks up to 100Wh allowed in carry-on baggage without approval
Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh allowed in carry-on with airline approval
Maximum of two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh per passenger
Power banks over 160Wh prohibited on passenger aircraft
Must be for personal use only and in good condition
Terminals should be protected to prevent short circuits
What was the main incident that led to the change?
Air Busan Flight 391 (January 28, 2025)
- Location: Gimhae International Airport, South Korea
- Incident: Fire broke out in the tail section, spreading through the empennage and nearly half of the fuselage
- Cause: Suspected to be a power bank in an overhead luggage bin
- Consequences: