Power banks on aircraft

I have come across numerous stories on the internet about airlines banning power banks while others do not. Therefore, I decided to conduct some research to clarify which airlines have or are banning the power bank.

Over the last decade, compact chargers have become a go-to solution for this all-too-common mishap. However, airlines are reassessing the safety of handheld power banks, with many outright banning their use during flights.

Portable battery chargers are among the most commonly owned travel devices, and many long-haul passengers consider them essential. However, a recent aviation safety report from ULSE Inc., the Standards & Engagement division of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), found that they accounted for 16 percent of incidents on passenger flights.

The primary risk associated with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway — a self-heating, uncontrollable reaction that can result in fire. Damaged or defective batteries are particularly vulnerable, while counterfeit versions pose an even greater threat due to lower manufacturing standards. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries spread faster and more aggressively than other types of fires, making them a serious concern for aviation safety. Most incidents occur near passenger seats, where stored power banks are prone to damage or overheating.

According to the Transport Ministry of South Korea, the country documented 13 aircraft fires caused by electronic device batteries between 2020 and 2024, with power banks responsible for nine incidents. These fires have surged in recent years, rising from one in 2020 to six in both 2023 and 2024.

Most recently, an Air Busan Airbus A321 aircraft at Gimhae International Airport caught fire on the 28th of January 2025, with investigations pointing to a power bank as the likely cause. 

AirAsia reports spare batteries, including power banks, are only allowed in carry-on baggage and must not be checked in, passengers are not allowed to use or charge Power Banks during the flight.

Air Busan updated its carry-on guidelines, requiring passengers to keep power banks in their hand luggage while prohibiting their storage in checked baggage or overhead compartments. Charging power banks during flights is banned. Passengers may carry up to five power banks under 100Wh without approval, while those between 101Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. Power banks over 160Wh are forbidden.

Cathay Pacific Airways is one of the few carriers that does not outright ban the use of power banks inside the flight cabin. Their website says, “Power banks are permitted for use inside the cabin.” But, “it is strictly prohibited to recharge them using the in-seat power outlet or USB port at any time due to potential safety hazards.”

China Airlines has updated its travel advisory, introducing new regulations for carrying power banks from the 1st of March 2025. Passengers departing from Incheon Airport must cover power bank ports with insulating taps and protective covers or place them in transparent zip-lock bags or pouches, keeping them in person or the seat pocket. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are banned in checked baggage, must be securely packed in carry-on luggage, and cannot be used or charged in flight. 

Eva Air announced a ban on using or charging power banks and spare lithium batteries in flight from the 1st of March 2025, for safety reasons. The airline recommended that passengers fully charge their devices before boarding. They can also use the AC outlets and USB Type-A ports if needed to plug in directly.

Singapore Airlines cited safety concerns and banned power bank charging via onboard USB ports. Passengers may carry power banks of up to 100Wh without approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline authorisation. Scoot issued a similar statement. From the 1st of April 2025, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot passengers will be prohibited from using power banks to charge devices in-flight.

Thai Airways International stated that effective from the 15th of March, “passengers are not allowed to use or charge Power Banks during the entire flight.” However, the restriction does not extend to carrying power banks in hand luggage.

I couldn't find any restriction here in Australia or New Zealand.

Check directly with your airline before you fly, but here are the general rules.

• Portable power banks must still be packed in your carry-on luggage, even if you can’t use them while flying.
• They are not permitted in checked baggage.
• Power banks up to 100Wh don’t require you to notify the airline.
• From 100Wh to 160Wh, airline approval is required. It is suggested that these travel in the original box, which clearly shows the total wattage.
• Above 160Wh are not allowed on flights.