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Power banks have been blamed to be the reason for major airlines incidents and now flights are taking strict action across the globe that you should know.
Power banks are being strictly banned from using mid-flight.
Power banks have always raised concerns, especially for those running the airlines across the globe. Earlier this year, there was a major airline tragedy involving Air Busan in South Korea that has triggered those concerns once again. So much so that in 2025, you have quite a few airlines who have either banned power banks completely on flights (both in-cabin and luggage) or stop fliers from using these devices to charge mid-air.
Power Banks Are Dangerous: Here’s Why
Most people use power banks when their phone has run out of juice or is hitting the dangerous red level. These situations on a flight have worked out fine but these recent events have invariably compelled airlines to rethink their permissions for power banks. These devices pack lithium-ion batteries that help you charge devices but we also know how power banks can heat up and explode.
People flying on domestic airlines in India have not been warned or banned from carrying power banks but your next trip abroad will have to include this on the checklist as well. The likes of Singapore Airlines have a defined power bank size that is allowed without permission which you can check on its website for more details.
What Should Fliers Do?
Thai Airways is one of the airlines that still allows you to carry a power bank in-cabin but you cannot charge devices using it during the flight. The airline which has caused these changes, Air Busan, is also fine if you carry the power bank but you cannot keep it in the overhead storage compartment and it should be next to you all the time during the flight.
These are some of the airlines prescribing new power bank rules but make sure that when you plan for the next vacation abroad, you check for their own rules. And yes, the best way to avoid power bank related mishaps is to buy from genuine brands and try to keep its capacity (mAh) under 20,000 units which is allowed by most flights. Finally, just keep your phones, tablets and watches fully charged before you take off, so that a power bank is not needed mid-air.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
