Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 9V-SKB
Singapore Airlines customers will no longer be able to use a common device (Picture: Getty Images)

Singapore Airlines has become the latest international airline to ban the use of power banks on board its flights.

The airline announced that, as of April 1, customers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports or use power banks to charge their devices.

Additionally, power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are not permitted in checked luggage.

Singapore Airlines announced the new rules – which also apply to customers flying with its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot – via a statement on its Facebook page earlier this week. 

The post read: ‘Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.

‘We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.’

Smartphone charging from power bank on suitcase
The airline says customer safety is a ‘top priority’ (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The announcement prompted thousands of comments, with some questioning how the cabin crew would enforce the new rules. 

In response, the airline stated: ‘Our crews are trained to remain vigilant and ensure that customers comply with in-flight procedures.’

Its post also explained that the SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries, including those used in power banks, laptops, mobile phones, and electronic cigarettes, are known to pose a hazard due to a reaction called ‘thermal runaway’ which occurs when a battery overheats, potentially leading to a fire.

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): ‘All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway. 

‘Thermal runaway can occur without warning due to various factors, including battery damage, overheating, exposure to water, overcharging, or improper packing. It can also result from manufacturing defects.’

Man putting luggage into overhead locker on airplane. Traveller placing carry on bag in overhead compartment
Power banks could pose a fire risk due to overheating (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This process is believed to have been the cause of a fire that engulfed and destroyed an Air Busan plane at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, earlier this year. 

While all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, three people sustained minor injuries. 

On Friday, South Korea’s transport ministry said the results of an interim investigation suggest the fire could have started due to insulation inside a power bank battery breaking down. 

The device was found in an overhead luggage compartment where the fire was first detected, and its debris showed scorch marks, according to officials. 

However, investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the battery failure, and the final accident report is expected to be released within a year, according to global aviation standards.

Following growing concerns over lithium battery safety, South Korea implemented stricter regulations earlier this month, requiring passengers to keep power banks and e-cigarettes with them rather than storing them in overhead bins. Charging devices on board is now prohibited.

The aviation industry has long recognised lithium batteries as a safety concern, leading to periodic tightening of regulations in response to incidents

According to the FAA, incidents involving overheating lithium batteries on planes have risen, with three cases recorded every two weeks last year, compared to just under one per week in 2018.

Full list of major airlines with power bank restrictions

  • Singapore Airlines
  • Air Busan
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • Thai Airways
  • AirAsia
  • EVA Air
  • China Airlines

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