Lithium-ion powerbanks prohibited on flights due to potential fire hazard
In the skies above us, a change is taking place. Airlines worldwide are tightening restrictions on power bank usage aboard flights, prompted by rising concerns over lithium-ion battery safety.
The latest global regulations, effective in 2025, focus on reducing fire hazards. Here are the key points:
Carry-on Baggage Only
Power banks are only allowed in carry-on baggage, never in checked luggage. This universal rule enforced by most airlines is to facilitate quick access in case of fire emergencies. [1][2][3]
Battery Capacity Limits
Power banks above 160 watt-hours (Wh) are prohibited on all commercial flights. Many airlines allow one power bank under 100 Wh per passenger, with clear labeling of capacity mandatory. [1][3][5]
In-Flight Usage Prohibited
For example, Emirates prohibits the use of power banks onboard flights effective October 1, 2025. Passengers may carry but cannot use power banks to charge devices or recharge the power banks from the aircraft’s power supply. [2][3][5]
Proper Storage
Power banks must be kept within reach (e.g., in seat pockets or under seats) rather than in overhead compartments, so cabin crew can respond quickly to any fire risk. [2][3][4]
These new policies are driven by a notable increase in lithium-ion battery incidents on aircraft, prompting regulatory authorities like the FAA, EASA, and ICAO to standardize stricter control measures for battery-powered devices. [1][2][4]
Lithium-ion batteries, which power many of our electronic devices, store a substantial amount of energy in a compact space, using flammable electrolyte liquids that facilitate ion flow between the battery's cathode and anode. When these batteries are damaged, defective, or subjected to extreme conditions, they can enter a dangerous state called "thermal runaway," where internal heat buildup triggers a self-sustaining chemical reaction, often leading to fires or explosions.
Abuse of a battery, such as physical damage, overheating, overcharging, or a manufacturing defect, can cause an internal short circuit. When this happens, heat is generated beyond what the battery can dissipate, which can lead to the melting or collapsing of the separator and more short circuits.
Incidents like these have been reported since 2004, with at least 12 incidents of onboard fire being documented. Notable incidents include a lithium-ion battery fire that destroyed a plane at UPS in 2006, resulting in two crew fatalities. [6] More recently, a laptop battery fire occurred on a United Airlines flight from San Diego in February 2023, injuring four people. [7]
These incidents have led to stricter regulations and a call for improved battery design, stricter quality control, better user awareness, regulatory tightening, and firefighting innovation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) enforces strict rules for transporting lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights, including power banks, to mitigate fire risk.
In summary, while passengers can bring power banks onboard, they must be under specific capacity limits, carried in hand luggage, and, importantly, their use for charging devices during flight is widely prohibited or severely restricted to reduce fire hazards. Airlines emphasize passenger awareness and proper handling to mitigate risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires in the confined space of aircraft cabins.
References:
[1] FAA. (2025). Lithium Battery Safety. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/beyond_nextgen/electronic_devices/lithium_batteries/
[2] Emirates. (2025). Electronic Devices Policy. Retrieved from https://www.emirates.com/english/help/policies/electronic-devices-policy/
[3] IATA. (2025). Lithium Battery Safety. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/367886d889e3418492740e5c835b918e/dgr-lithium-batteries.pdf
[4] ICAO. (2025). Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Lithium Batteries by Air. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/safety/documents/LithiumBatteries_TechnicalInstructions_2020.pdf
[5] EASA. (2025). Lithium Battery Safety. Retrieved from https://easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2020-06/lithium-batteries-safety-guidelines-2020-06-10.pdf
[6] CNN. (2006). UPS plane destroyed by battery fire. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/13/ups.plane.fire/index.html
[7] NBC News. (2023). Four injured after laptop battery fire on United Airlines flight. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/four-injured-after-laptop-battery-fire-united-airlines-flight-rcna47459
In the realm of news, these new airline regulations on power banks aim to increase safety, particularly in regards to lithium-ion battery incidents. Education plays a crucial role, as passengers must now understand the proper handling of power banks to mitigate risks. This change in business practices also extends to the environment, as stricter regulations minimize the potential for in-flight fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. In the scientific sector, research is ongoing to improve battery design, enhance quality control, and foster user awareness. Lastly, advancements in technology, such as firefighting innovation, are being pursued to further combat the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights.
