Airlines Tighten Lithium Battery Rules Amid Rising Safety Concerns

As incidents involving overheating lithium batteries onboard flights continue to rise, several airlines worldwide are tightening regulations on carrying and using these power sources. Lithium batteries, commonly found in mobile devices and e-cigarettes, pose a fire risk, prompting stricter safety measures across various carriers.

Escalating Safety Risks

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that, in 2024, incidents involving lithium battery overheating on planes occurred three times every two weeks, a significant rise from just under one per week in 2018. The aviation industry has long acknowledged the risks posed by lithium batteries, leading to periodic updates in airline policies to mitigate potential hazards.

Policy Changes by Airlines

South Korea’s Response

Following a fire incident involving an Air Busan aircraft in January, South Korean authorities have revised safety protocols. Effective March 1, passengers on South Korean airlines must carry power banks and e-cigarettes on their person instead of placing them in luggage bins. Charging devices onboard is also prohibited.

Hong Kong’s New Regulations

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department expressed concerns over recent lithium battery-related incidents, including a March 20 fire on a Hong Kong Airlines flight. Consequently, from April 7, Hong Kong-based airlines will prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights and forbid their storage in overhead bins. Cathay Pacific has confirmed its compliance with the new rules, despite initial hesitations about enforcement challenges.

Singapore Airlines and Scoot

Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary, Scoot, implemented a ban on using or charging power banks mid-flight from April 1, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety.

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana

Since March 13, Air Astana has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights, requiring lithium batteries and e-cigarettes to be stored in hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

Taiwanese Airlines’ Measures

Both EVA Air and China Airlines enforced bans on charging and using power banks during flights from March 1. EVA Air highlighted that most seats are equipped with USB power outlets to cater to passengers’ charging needs.

Thai Airways and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)

Thai Airways prohibited power bank usage on flights from March 15, while MAG, parent of Malaysia Airlines, implemented similar restrictions from April 1. MAG specified that passengers must store power banks in carry-on bags under their seats or in seat pockets. Magnetic wireless power banks require separate storage.

Batik Air and China’s Regulations

Indonesia’s Batik Air, part of the Lion Air Group, enforced a ban on power bank use from March 14. China, which has long restricted power bank charging during flights, continues to uphold these regulations.

Industry-Wide Compliance with IATA Guidelines

Most airlines adhere to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which mandate that power banks be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage. However, IATA has not announced recent updates to these guidelines. While Lufthansa follows IATA’s existing regulations, Air India stated that its policies remain unchanged for now, pending further industry developments.

Conclusion

With the rising frequency of lithium battery-related incidents, airlines worldwide are tightening safety protocols to minimize risks. As regulations continue to evolve, passengers are advised to stay updated on airline policies regarding power bank usage to ensure compliance and safety during travel.