A popular travel device used by many is set to be banned on flights after April 1, 2025. Singapore Airlines will issue this ban alongside a growing list of other airlines already banning or restricting the use of power banks while onboard. The airline recently announced this ban which includes its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, with the carriers issuing a statement that portable power banks will no longer be allowed on their airlines no longer.
This ban also includes using power banks to charge their personal devices and for charging portable power banks via the use of onboard USB ports, throughout the duration of the flight. Singapore Airlines statement read: “The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.”
After April 1, power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are not permitted in checked luggage, added Singapore Airlines.
They further explained: “Customers may bring power banks up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority.”
Other airlines that have banned or restricted power bank usage include Thai Airways, China Airlines, EVA Air and AirAsia.
Lithium batteries are known to be major safety hazards particularly in checked baggage.
This is because they’re known to overheat or short-circuit with the risk of fire increased and posing significant safety risks.
As such, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have strongly urged the importance of safe handling and transport of lithium batteries, by passengers and in cargo, in order to prevent serious incidents from occurring.
The FAA added: “All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway.
“Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed.”
Further guidance was issued from the airline in a press statement and on Facebook with one social media questioning how the carrier would even know passengers may have a power bank.
The airline responded to the user and said: “If we may share, our crews are trained to remain vigilant and ensure that customers comply with in-flight safety procedures.”
Recently, a fire broke out onboard a Hong Kong-bound Air Busan plane in South Korea due to a power bank, where all passengers and crew members were evacuated, and some sustained minor injuries.
