Are you packing a portable power bank for your next flight with Singapore Airlines (SIA)? You may need to rethink your plans.
In a recent advisory posted on SIA’s Facebook page, the airline announced new restrictions on using power banks during flights. From April 1, passengers can no longer charge power banks using onboard USB ports. Additionally, charging mobile devices with power banks in the air will be banned. The airline has cited safety concerns as the reason for this change.
Safety concerns behind the ban
The decision comes in response to several incidents involving power banks overheating and catching fire on planes. A fire broke out on an Air Busan aircraft at South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport earlier this year due to a power bank, even before takeoff. More recently, a Batik Air flight footage showed smoke filling the cabin, reportedly caused by a power bank inside an overhead compartment.
With lithium battery-related fires on the rise, many airlines are tightening safety measures. Several Asia-based carriers, including Thai Airways, AirAsia, and some South Korean airlines, have already implemented similar bans on in-flight power bank charging.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), power banks are considered lithium batteries and must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage. SIA’s policy allows passengers to bring power banks up to 100Wh without prior approval. Power banks with capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval, while anything over 160Wh is strictly prohibited.
Scoot follows suit with similar rules
Scoot, SIA’s budget airline subsidiary, has also adopted the same policy. Both airlines emphasise the importance of minimising fire risks in the confined space of an aircraft cabin. The rising number of incidents involving lithium batteries worldwide has prompted aviation regulators to take action. In the US alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported multiple cases of overheating lithium batteries on planes in 2024.
If you plan to travel with a power bank, it’s best to check SIA’s baggage policies beforehand to avoid any issues at the airport. Experts also recommend purchasing power banks from reputable brands, which are less likely to overheat or malfunction. While no power bank is completely accident-proof, well-known brands like Anker tend to have stricter safety standards than unknown or unregulated manufacturers.
As safety regulations continue to evolve, travellers should stay updated on airline policies regarding portable electronic devices. With more airlines enforcing similar restrictions, this may not be the last rule change concerning lithium batteries on flights.
