Airlines tighten restrictions on the use of portable batteries on board

23-03-25

In response to recent incidents involving portable batteries, several airlines have implemented stricter measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. These actions aim to mitigate risks associated with inappropriate use of electronic devices during flights.

On 28 January 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321-231, which was about to take off from Busan to Hong Kong, suffered a fire in the rear cabin. Investigations pointed to an exploding portable battery as the probable cause of the incident. The incident prompted the South Korean authorities to reconsider policies on the carriage of these devices on commercial flights. 

Following this event, Air Busan banned the storage of portable batteries in overhead compartments, requiring passengers to keep them with them for the duration of the flight. Since 1 March, all South Korean airlines have adopted similar regulations: passengers must carry lithium batteries and electronic cigarettes in their hand luggage and are not allowed to carry them on board. 

Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, announced that from 1 April they will ban the use of portable batteries to charge devices during the flight. Although passengers can carry these devices in their hand luggage, they will not be able to use or charge them on board. This decision is in line with similar measures taken by other Asian airlines. 

EVA Air and China Airlines, both from Taiwan, implemented a ban on the use and charging of portable batteries during flights as of 1 March. These airlines recommend that passengers use the USB ports built into the seats to charge their electronic devices. Thai Airways, meanwhile, banned the use and charging of portable batteries on its flights as of 15 March, thus reinforcing in-flight security measures. 

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) state that lithium-ion batteries, including portable batteries, must be carried in carry-on baggage and not in checked baggage. This is due to the risk of fire associated with these batteries. 

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations allow portable batteries up to 100 Wh to be carried in the cabin without prior approval. For those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, airline approval is required, and those above 160 Wh are prohibited on board. These guidelines aim to minimise the risks associated with transporting high-capacity batteries. 

Consequences for passengers who violate these regulations can range from warnings to confiscation of the device. In extreme cases, violators could face fines or be banned from future flights with the airline. Civil aviation authorities support airlines in enforcing these measures to ensure safety on all flights. 

It is essential that passengers inform themselves about the specific policies of each airline regarding the transport and use of portable batteries before travelling. These measures, although they may seem restrictive, are designed to protect the integrity of everyone on board and ensure safe and smooth flights.