Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget subsidiary Scoot have announced a ban on using and charging power banks during flights, citing safety concerns linked to lithium battery overheating. The policy, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, follows growing global aviation safety regulations and past in-flight incidents involving overheated or exploding power banks.
Why Is Singapore Airlines Banning Power Bank Charging?
The decision aligns with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which classify power banks as lithium battery devices. These batteries have been linked to thermal runaway incidents, where overheating can lead to fires or explosions in confined spaces.
New Policy Details:
Passengers CAN carry power banks in cabin baggage, with some restrictions:
- Power banks under 100Wh – Allowed without approval.
- Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh – Require airline approval.
- Power banks over 160Wh – Completely banned from flights.
What’s NOT Allowed?
- Charging phones, laptops, or any devices using power banks while onboard.
- Charging power banks via the aircraft’s USB ports.
Past Incidents Prompting the Ban
This move comes after a series of mid-flight power bank overheating incidents worldwide, including one involving Scoot in 2023.
Case Study: Scoot Flight Incident
- A power bank caught fire on a Scoot flight from Taipei to Singapore, causing minor injuries to passengers and cabin crew.
- The flight crew was forced to deploy fire extinguishers and move affected passengers.
- The airline investigated the cause, which was traced to an overheating power bank.
Such incidents highlight the potential dangers of allowing power banks to be used during flights, leading to more airlines enforcing strict policies on lithium battery usage.
How Will This Affect Passengers?
This new rule means travelers must ensure their devices are fully charged before boarding, as they can’t rely on power banks during the flight.
- Business travelers and frequent flyers may need to adjust their device usage to avoid running out of battery.
- Singapore Airlines will likely improve access to onboard charging points as an alternative.
- Some passengers might find the rule restrictive, especially on long-haul flights where power banks are often essential.
A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines stated:
“Safety is our top priority. This policy is in line with international regulations to mitigate risks associated with lithium batteries in-flight.”
Singapore Airlines isn’t alone in taking tighter safety precautions. Other global carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific, have already enforced strict power bank regulations due to similar concerns.
Could more airlines follow Singapore Airlines’ lead? Given the increasing frequency of lithium battery-related fires, many experts believe this could become an industry-wide standard.
While the ban on power bank usage mid-flight may seem restrictive, it prioritizes passenger safety over convenience. As airlines grapple with evolving safety risks, policies like these could shape the future of in-flight technology regulations.
For now, travelers should prepare by fully charging their devices before flying and planning alternative ways to manage battery life while in the air.