Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary, Scoot, will implement a ban on the use and charging of power banks during flights starting April 1, 2025, in compliance with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.
According to the advisories from both airlines, power banks, classified as lithium batteries, will not be allowed to be charged through onboard USB ports or used to charge portable devices. Power banks will also be prohibited from checked baggage and must be carried in cabin baggage only.
Passengers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval. However, power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval.
The move follows similar actions by Thai Airways, which announced a ban on power banks starting March 15, 2025. Korean-owned airlines also prohibited power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead bins beginning March 1, 2025. Additionally, Eva Air has banned the use and charging of power banks since March 1, 2025.
The safety measures were prompted by a fire incident on a Hong Kong-bound Air Busan plane in January 2025, which authorities suspect was caused by an electronic device or power bank.
