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In response to recent safety concerns, several airlines have implemented restrictions on the use of portable power banks onboard flights. This move follows an incident involving a fire on an Air Busan flight, which is believed to have been caused by a power bank. As reported by the New York Post, this has led Korean carrier Air Busan to ban passengers from carrying power banks in their hand luggage.
Singapore Airlines is among the carriers that have decided to restrict power bank usage. Starting April 1st, 2025, passengers will not be allowed to use power banks to charge devices like smartphones during flights. However, they can still bring them onboard as long as they are stowed in carry-on luggage and not checked baggage. Singapore Airlines stated: "Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval."
The restrictions are part of broader measures being adopted by airlines across Asia, including those from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore. The decision was influenced by the fire on the Air Busan plane and other incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.
