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In-Flight Power Bank Ban: Safety First!
4 Jan
Summary
- Power banks are now prohibited for use during flights.
- Lithium-ion batteries in power banks pose fire risks.
- Passengers must charge devices before boarding flights.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has reinforced its prohibition on the in-flight use of power banks, prioritizing passenger safety. While the restriction has long been in place, airlines are now explicitly reminding passengers about this rule during boarding to mitigate mid-air risks. The core concern stems from the lithium-ion batteries within power banks, which can present fire hazards if damaged or malfunctioning, posing a significant risk in confined aircraft cabins.
Existing aviation safety guidelines permit power banks only in cabin baggage, not in checked luggage. However, the crucial update is the outright ban on their usage for charging devices during flights. This enforcement aims to prevent incidents rather than penalize travelers, with cabin crew instructed to monitor and request immediate switch-off of any devices found in use.
To comply, passengers should ensure their devices are fully charged before their flight. Where available, in-seat charging ports offer an alternative. While carrying power banks remains permissible, their operation mid-air is strictly forbidden, with the Ministry urging passenger cooperation for the sake of overall flight safety.
