Airlines around the world are revising their policies regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on flights, following an uptick in incidents related to overheating and fires. Lithium batteries, commonly found in devices like cellphones, laptops, and e-cigarettes, have long been recognized as a safety risk, and recent data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlights an alarming increase in battery-related incidents on aircraft.
Rising Incidents Prompt Stricter Regulations
In 2024, the FAA recorded an alarming frequency of lithium battery malfunctions, with three incidents every two weeks, compared to just under one per week in 2018. These incidents, which can lead to smoke, fires, or extreme heat, are raising concerns among aviation authorities worldwide. As a result, many airlines and regulators are enacting stricter guidelines to reduce the risk of in-flight accidents caused by lithium-ion batteries.
South Korea Leads the Way with Policy Changes
The recent fire aboard an Air Busan flight in January, which investigators suggest may have been caused by a malfunctioning power bank, prompted South Korea to be the first country to implement stringent regulations. Air Busan immediately updated its policies, disallowing power banks in overhead cabins and requiring passengers to carry them on their person. On March 1, South Korea applied this policy to all domestic airlines, prohibiting the charging of devices on board and mandating that power banks and e-cigarettes be kept in hand luggage.
Hong Kong Follows Suit with New Restrictions
Hong Kong has also introduced similar measures. From April 7, local airlines will ban passengers from using or charging power banks during flights. Additionally, these devices must not be stored in overhead lockers. This decision comes after a Hong Kong Airlines flight was diverted on March 20 due to a suspected fire caused by a hand-carry bag containing a power bank. The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong expressed deep concern over recent safety incidents involving lithium battery-powered devices, further urging stricter controls.
Singapore, Taiwan, and Other Airlines Implement Measures
Singapore Airlines and its budget arm, Scoot, are also taking steps to protect passengers and crew. Starting April 1, both airlines will prohibit passengers from using or charging portable power banks during flights. Similarly, Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and China Airlines have already enforced policies that ban the charging and use of power banks during flights.
Air Astana in Kazakhstan, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which oversees Malaysia Airlines, have also followed suit by restricting the use of power banks and portable batteries. MAG’s new policy, effective April 1, will also require power banks to be stored in carry-on bags, rather than in overhead compartments.
Industry-Wide Safety Concerns
Indonesia’s Batik Air and other airlines in the region are also tightening restrictions. Batik Air has warned passengers against carrying certain types of power banks, particularly those with auto-magnetic charging, which are deemed to pose additional risks. In response, airlines are continuing to reevaluate their policies based on emerging safety concerns.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has long advocated for the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries in its Dangerous Goods Regulations. The guidelines stipulate that power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and prohibit them from being stored in checked luggage. These guidelines have been widely adopted by major global airlines, including Lufthansa, although some airlines, like Air India, have opted to maintain their existing policies, citing a lack of consensus on the best approach.
Evolving Risks and Ongoing Safety Measures
As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve and become more widespread, the aviation industry remains vigilant in adapting to emerging risks. While policies may vary between regions and airlines, the growing trend toward stricter lithium battery regulations underscores the global recognition of the potential dangers posed by these devices in flight.
The issue of lithium battery safety is likely to remain a key focus for airlines, aviation regulators, and manufacturers, as efforts continue to balance the convenience of portable electronics with the imperative to ensure passenger and flight safety. With no clear universal solution yet, ongoing discussions and revisions to current regulations are expected in the coming years as the aviation sector strives to stay ahead of evolving threats.
