Airlines across Asia are rapidly banning the use and charging of power banks onboard flights, transforming what was once a precautionary measure into a widespread industry standard. Leading this shift, Singapore Airlines and Scoot will enforce these restrictions starting April 1, 2025, joining EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, and Air Busan, all of which have already implemented similar bans. These restrictions are driven by rising safety concerns over lithium-ion battery-related fire incidents, leading airlines to prioritize safety over passenger convenience. With more carriers enforcing these bans, it is clear that prohibiting power bank use onboard is no longer an exception—it is becoming the new norm of air travel. Passengers must now adapt to this evolving safety standard, ensuring devices are fully charged before boarding and staying informed about airline-specific policies.
Singapore – Singapore Airlines and Scoot
Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot will enforce a complete ban on the use and charging of power banks onboard from April 1, 2025. This means passengers will no longer be able to charge their devices using power banks during the flight, although they will still be allowed to carry them in their hand luggage.
The airline is introducing this restriction as a preventive safety measure, aligning with the growing global trend of reducing in-flight fire hazards. With the increasing number of incidents related to lithium-ion batteries overheating, Singapore Airlines has decided to prioritize passenger safety over convenience. Travelers are strongly advised to charge all necessary devices before boarding to avoid any inconvenience during their journey.
Taiwan – EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan
Taiwanese airlines have taken a strict stance on power bank use to mitigate fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. EVA Air has announced that, starting March 1, 2025, passengers will not be allowed to use or charge power banks at any point during their flight. This policy applies across all routes and is meant to enhance onboard safety measures.
Similarly, Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan have already implemented a prohibition on power bank usage onboard. However, travelers can still carry power banks in their hand luggage, as long as they remain unused for the entire flight. Taiwanese carriers are implementing these rules in response to global concerns over lithium battery malfunctions and are ensuring that cabin crew can swiftly respond to any potential fire hazards.
Thailand – Thai Airways
Thai Airways is following suit by implementing a full ban on power bank use and charging onboard starting March 15, 2025. The airline has justified this decision by emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety and operational risk reduction.
In recent years, there have been multiple reports of power banks catching fire mid-flight, leading airlines worldwide to strengthen their policies on lithium battery safety. Thai Airways’ move ensures that flight crews can focus on passenger well-being without the added risk of battery malfunctions. Travelers flying with Thai Airways are encouraged to charge their devices before departure and comply with all safety measures enforced by the airline.
Malaysia – AirAsia
Malaysia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia, will also enforce a ban on power bank use and charging onboard from March 15, 2025. While passengers will still be permitted to carry power banks in their hand luggage, they must not use them during the flight.
This policy is part of AirAsia’s broader initiative to align with global aviation safety standards, ensuring that risks related to battery overheating, smoke, or fire incidents are minimized. The airline has emphasized that the decision was made after reviewing recent safety incidents and in consultation with aviation regulators. Passengers are reminded that non-compliance with the ban could result in penalties, as the airline enforces these measures for the safety of all onboard.
China – China Airlines
China’s flagship carrier, China Airlines, has also joined the list of airlines prohibiting power bank use onboard. From March 1, 2025, passengers will not be allowed to use or charge power banks during flights, in line with the airline’s updated safety protocols.
With China Airlines operating numerous international and domestic flights daily, the airline has decided to implement this ban as a precautionary measure. Aviation safety experts have noted that lithium-ion batteries pose an increased risk of fire incidents, making it crucial for airlines to take proactive steps in preventing such dangers. China Airlines has urged passengers to fully charge their devices before departure and to strictly adhere to crew instructions regarding electronic devices.
South Korea – Air Busan
South Korea’s Air Busan has taken one of the strictest approaches to power bank regulations. Unlike other airlines that allow passengers to carry power banks in their hand luggage, Air Busan requires passengers to keep power banks on their person at all times. Power banks must not be stored in bags or overhead compartments, ensuring that any malfunctions or overheating incidents can be detected and handled immediately.
The airline introduced these strict policies following a fire incident involving a lithium battery onboard one of its flights. As a result, Air Busan has tightened safety measures to reduce risks and ensure better control over battery-related emergencies. Passengers who do not comply with these regulations may face penalties or be denied boarding, making it crucial to follow the airline’s updated policies.
Why Are Airlines Enforcing These Bans?
The rise in fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries has led many airlines to reevaluate their in-flight safety measures. Power banks, if damaged or improperly handled, can undergo thermal runaway, a reaction where batteries overheat and catch fire. Several serious incidents in recent years have highlighted the potential dangers of lithium battery fires, prompting airlines to enforce stricter regulations before disasters occur.
By banning the use and charging of power banks onboard, airlines aim to reduce risks and protect passengers and crew from potential mid-air fire incidents. These bans signal a shift in global aviation safety measures, ensuring that passenger well-being is prioritized over onboard charging convenience.
Is This the Future of Air Travel?
As more airlines adopt these policies, it is clear that power bank bans are becoming a long-term industry standard. While these restrictions may inconvenience some travelers, the shift toward stricter in-flight safety protocols is a necessary response to fire hazards linked to lithium batteries.
With aviation regulators and airlines working together to minimize risks, it is possible that other international carriers may soon follow suit, expanding these bans beyond Asia. For now, passengers should expect more airlines to introduce similar restrictions in the coming months and years.
Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, and Air Busan have all banned the use and charging of power banks onboard, signaling a major shift in air travel safety. With more airlines enforcing similar restrictions, this policy is no longer an exception—it is becoming the new norm of air travel.
What Passengers Should Do
- Charge devices before flying – Power bank use is restricted, so ensure smartphones, tablets, and laptops are fully charged before boarding.
- Check airline policies before traveling – Rules vary between airlines, so it’s essential to review power bank regulations before heading to the airport.
- Follow crew instructions – Some airlines, like Air Busan, require passengers to carry power banks on their person rather than in hand luggage. Non-compliance could result in penalties.
With Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, and Air Busan all enforcing strict bans on power bank use, it is clear that the era of unrestricted power bank use on flights is ending. As aviation safety standards continue to evolve, travelers should adjust to this new normal and prepare accordingly.
The post Singapore Airlines Joins EVA Air, Thai, AirAsia, Starlux, Tigerair Taiwan, China, and Air Busan in Banning Power Bank Use on Flights – Making It the New Norm of Air Travel appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
