Airlines tighten rules on portable chargers after battery fires

Airlines have introduced new restrictions on portable chargers after fires linked to lithium-ion batteries prompted safety reviews. Carriers in Asia, Australia and the Middle East now prohibit passengers from using or charging power banks during flights.

On 19 May an easyJet flight from Hurghada to Luton diverted to Rome after a passenger disclosed a power bank charging a phone in the hold. An airline spokesperson said the captain diverted as a precaution in line with safety regulations. The aircraft remained overnight in Italy because of crew-hour limits.

UK rules The UK Civil Aviation Authority updated its guidance on 27 March, capping spare power banks at two per passenger and requiring them in carry-on bags. Officials said spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits and must not be recharged or used to charge devices on board.

Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the CAA, said lithium batteries can cause intense fires if damaged. He advised passengers to keep power banks in cabin bags, switched off and not in standby mode.

International measures Hong Kong banned in-flight use of power banks on 7 April after a fire on a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou on 20 March. Passengers may still carry the devices in carry-on luggage but must store them under seats or in seat pockets.

Singapore Airlines told customers effective 1 April they cannot charge power banks via onboard USB ports or use them to charge personal devices. South Korea introduced a five-battery limit per passenger from 1 March after a fire on an Air Busan flight on 28 January.

Emirates has prohibited use of power banks on its flights since 1 October, allowing one unit only if stored in a seat pocket or under-seat bag. Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar also bar use and charging of the devices, citing risks from damaged or defective lithium batteries.

Japan is considering a domestic-flight ban starting in April, while travellers there are already limited to two chargers of 160Wh or less in carry-on luggage. Taiwan’s EVA Airways bans use and charging but permits properly protected units in hand luggage.