15 Airlines That Have Banned (or Restricted) Power Bank Use On Flights

From 1 April 2025, Singapore Airlines and Scoot will only allow power banks in hand luggage, with strict restrictions on their use. Passengers cannot use them to charge devices or recharge via onboard ports. The size limit is capped at 100Wh without approval, while power banks between 100–160Wh require airline approval.

EVA Air introduced its policy on 1 March 2025, allowing power banks only in cabin baggage with defined storage rules, while completely prohibiting their use or charging during flights. Similarly, China Airlines, effective the same date, requires power banks to be carried in hand luggage, but not stored in overhead bins, with in-flight charging also banned.

From 15 March 2025, both Thai Airways and AirAsia aligned their rules, stating that power banks can only be carried in cabin baggage (not checked), with usage and charging strictly prohibited throughout the journey. Around the same time, Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan also confirmed their bans, restricting power banks to cabin-only storage and disallowing use during flights.

South Korean carriers followed suit. Air Busan, starting 1 March 2025, requires power banks to be carried in the cabin but not stored in overhead bins, with in-flight use banned. Both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, effective the same date, enforce visibility of power banks in the cabin and prohibit any use or charging.

In Europe, the Lufthansa Group has not yet introduced a complete ban, though many of its carriers are gradually aligning with IATA and ICAO guidance to standardize restrictions across the region.

Finally, Emirates will adopt its new rules from 1 October 2025. Passengers may carry one power bank under 100Wh in their hand luggage, but the capacity must be clearly marked. Preferred storage is under the seat, with usage or charging prohibited in-flight and checked baggage strictly forbidden.

What We Could Not Confirm

• The original list in your draft includes some airlines (like Firefly, MASwings, Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines) for which I did not find reliable public sources confirming full bans on both use and charging.

• Some reports (especially tabloids) repeat similar lists, but many are unverified. For a B2B audience, I’d caution relying on those until airlines issue formal advisories.

Why the Change? Key Drivers & Regulatory Context

• Fire Risk Incidents: One trigger was the fire aboard an Air Busan aircraft in January 2025. South Korea’s transport ministry linked the incident to power banks or lithium batteries.

• Regulatory Pressure: South Korea imposed national regulations (from 1 March 2025) restricting the use/charging of power banks on all airlines.

• Industry Standards: IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations classify power banks as lithium batteries. These guidelines influence airline policies globally.
  
  

What This Means for Travel Agents, Corporate Planners & Airlines

• Client Advisories: Agents need to proactively inform travellers about power bank rules, especially for international or multi-carrier itineraries. What’s allowed may change depending on airline and country.

• Pre-Flight Checklists: Ensure travellers charge all devices before departure. Power bank use during flight may be prohibited.

• Documentation: Maintain up-to-date lists of airline policies. Encourage clients to verify direct with airlines prior to flying.

• Operational Changes for Airlines: Cabin crew training may need updating. Safety protocols for handling overheated devices or batteries must be reinforced.

• Product / Equipment Suppliers: Airlines may need to invest in better onboard power outlets or USB ports that are safe; possibly more in-seat AC supply to reduce need for power banks.
  
  

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

• The banning of power bank usage and charging during flights is no longer niche—it’s becoming a mainstream safety policy across many airlines in Asia and beyond.

• While passengers are generally still allowed to carry power banks (in cabin/carry-on), in-flight usage and charging are increasingly prohibited.

• For travel agents and corporate planners, remaining up to date is crucial: what applied six months ago may not apply now. Always check airline advisories before booking or advising clients.

• From an operations standpoint, ensuring your business or airline partners have clear policies can reduce customer inconvenience and safety risk.

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