Why are some airlines banning power banks on flights? Here's all that you need to know

Airlines around the world are increasingly implementing strict rules or outright bans on the use and carriage of power banks during flights. These compact battery packs, once considered essential for modern travelers needing to recharge their devices on the go, are now being reclassified as potential fire hazards. The tightening of regulations comes amid rising concerns in the aviation sector over lithium-ion battery malfunctions that can lead to overheating, fires, or even explosions onboard.
Incidents involving defective or damaged batteries have sparked renewed efforts by aviation authorities and airline operators to revise safety protocols. While rare, such events pose significant risks in the pressurized and enclosed environment of an aircraft cabin. Here’s a comprehensive overview of why power banks are under scrutiny, what the risks entail, which airlines are enforcing stricter policies, and what rules passengers need to follow when flying with these devices.

Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their high energy density but also for their volatility under certain conditions. If a battery cell is damaged, exposed to high temperatures, or suffers from manufacturing defects, it can enter a thermal runaway state—leading to overheating, ignition, or explosion.
In aviation environments, the confined space and limited emergency response options make such occurrences particularly dangerous. According to safety experts, the combination of low humidity, high pressure, and limited ventilation onboard flights increases the likelihood of a malfunction if a battery is compromised.
According to Euro News, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns about such risks and published guidelines aimed at mitigating these dangers. These include limiting battery capacity, requiring onboard storage in carry-on luggage only, and restricting device use during flights.

Although fires caused by power banks are infrequent, several high-profile incidents have drawn global attention. In some cases, flights have had to make emergency landings due to smoke or fire in the cabin traced back to an overheated power bank. While no major injuries have been reported in these incidents, the potential for harm to passengers and crew is significant.
One widely publicized incident occurred when a power bank caught fire mid-flight, leading to smoke filling a cabin and requiring the use of fire extinguishers. Investigations later revealed that the device had been damaged prior to boarding. Events like these have driven airlines to rethink their policies and err on the side of caution.

In response to the risks, several major international airlines have revised their regulations regarding power banks, as per Euro News. Here’s a breakdown of notable airline actions:

While airline policies vary, the trend across the industry is consistent—limiting onboard use, enforcing size restrictions, and requiring all portable battery-powered devices to be carried in hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

Most airlines adhere to safety standards informed by IATA and national aviation authorities such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). The general rules for flying with power banks include:

To determine the watt-hour rating of a power bank, passengers can use the formula:
Watt-hours (Wh) = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
Travelers should ensure that the specifications are clearly labeled on the device. Devices that do not display capacity information may be confiscated during security screening.

Power banks must be packed in hand luggage and never placed in checked baggage, as cargo holds are less accessible during emergencies. Additionally, several airlines require passengers to keep the devices at their seats rather than in overhead bins for quick access in case of an emergency.
Some carriers also restrict the charging of devices using aircraft outlets due to the risk of heat buildup and electrical faults. Passengers are advised to charge their electronics before boarding or use designated charging stations at airports.

To ensure compliance and avoid inconvenience, passengers should take the following steps before traveling: