Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier, Scoot, will prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights starting April 1.
Both airlines issued separate advisories explaining that the ban is in compliance with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which classify power banks as lithium batteries.
Under the new policy, passengers will not be allowed to charge power banks through onboard USB ports or use them to charge other devices. Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are prohibited in checked luggage.
According to the advisories, passengers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) without needing special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh will require airline approval.
Thai Airways also announced a similar ban, effective March 15, as part of its efforts to maintain the highest safety standards for passengers and crew.
In addition, Korean airlines have prohibited the use and storage of power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead bins since March 1. Eva Air has implemented a similar ban on the inflight use and charging of power banks, also beginning March 1.
The move to restrict power banks follows a fire on a Hong Kong-bound Air Busan flight in January, believed to have been caused by an electronic device or power bank stored in the overhead compartment.
