Airlines introduce new rules for lithium batteries to avoid catastrophes in the cabin.
Airlines are scrambling to rewrite the rules on taking lithium batteries onboard, although there are concerns that in seeking to set new safety standards, airlines are creating extra confusion for passengers.
Due to overheating, lithium batteries in devices such as cellphones have been responsible for causing incidents onboard airlines, most notably when an Air Busan plane in January burst into flames while preparing to take off from South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport.
CNN reports the US Federal Aviation Administration has recorded more than 500 in-flight lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat in the past two decades.
Cathay Pacific and low-cost affiliate HKExpress this month banned passengers from using or charging portable batteries while in flight, or charging them through aircraft power outlets.
Passengers are allowed to bring lithium battery-powered devices onboard in carry-on luggage, but they cannot be stored in overhead lockers. They must remain with the passenger at all times, Cathay said.
Singapore Airlines introduced new rules from 1 April, advising that 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.
“This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage.”
Scoot, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Eva Air, Air Astana and China Airways have each tightened regulations. South Korean airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana have taken similar action.
Air India said it constantly reviews policies based on industry events and regulatory recommendations.
“As change from current practice may introduce new risks and there is no clear consensus on the best approach, Air India policy remains unchanged at this juncture,” a spokesperson said.
Official advice from Qantas is that, “while we don’t recommend passengers use power banks onboard, they are not prohibited by aviation regulation except for take-off and landing”.
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority CEO and director of aviation safety, Pip Spence, said it was important passengers planned and followed airline guidance when packing their bags.
“The average passenger now travels with at least four lithium battery devices,” she said.
‘Sometimes power banks and spare batteries can short circuit and catch fire. Carrying them with you in the cabin means that trained aircrew can handle any issue quickly and safely.”
Reported by Travel week Asia on 14 April 2025.