In recent months, power banks have become a source of concern for aviation safety authorities. With lithium-ion batteries at the heart of many incidents in the skies, several airlines worldwide have implemented stringent measures to limit or ban the use and transport of power banks.
As of now, no African airlines have passed their own bans, but as more and more airlines are showing concern for the safety hazards of the devices, this will surely change. As this trend spreads across major international carriers, many are left wondering: will Africa follow suit?
Why Are Power Banks Being Banned?
Power banks are small, portable chargers that store electricity for devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They have become indispensable for travellers, especially during long-haul flights. However, the very technology that makes them so useful also poses a significant safety risk: lithium-ion batteries.
The primary concern with lithium-ion batteries is the risk of thermal runaway—a dangerous, uncontrollable heating reaction that can result in fires. If a battery is damaged, defective, or of poor quality (often the case with counterfeit batteries), it can overheat and cause fires, which spread rapidly. These fires are especially dangerous in the confined environment of an aeroplane, where they can be difficult to contain.
According to a 2023 report by ULSE Inc. (Underwriters Laboratories), power banks were involved in 16% of all aviation incidents. These incidents typically occur when power banks are stored in overhead compartments or near passenger seats, where they can become damaged or overheat. The result is a growing wave of regulations across airlines globally, with many now imposing strict rules on the carrying and use of power banks.
Past Incidents and the Growing Trend of Bans
Several high-profile incidents have highlighted the risks of carrying power banks on flights. One of the most recent was an incident involving Air Busan on January 28, 2025, at Gimhae Airport in South Korea, when a power bank caught fire in the cabin. This led Air Busan to ban power banks entirely from cabin baggage, starting February 7, 2025. Following the incident, other airlines such as Thai Airways and AirAsia began imposing stricter regulations regarding the use and charging of power banks on flights.
For instance, Malaysia Airlines recently announced that starting April 1, 2025, passengers on its flights must carry their power banks with them at all times and keep them either under the seat or in the seat pocket. The airline also prohibited the charging or use of power banks during flights and banned storing power banks in checked luggage. These measures aim to reduce the risk of fires caused by overheating or damaged batteries.
In addition to Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Scoot have joined the trend of restricting power bank usage. Both airlines now prohibit the charging of power banks during flights, citing safety concerns. These actions are in response to growing evidence that lithium-ion battery-related incidents are on the rise, prompting aviation authorities to enforce stricter guidelines.
Which Countries and Airlines Are Banning Power Banks?
Across the globe, airlines from countries like Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia are already enforcing bans or restrictions on power bank usage. Here are some notable carriers with updated policies:
- Malaysia Airlines: As of April 1, 2025, power banks must be kept with passengers in carry-on bags only. Use and charging during the flight are prohibited.
- Thai Airways: Starting March 15, 2025, Thai Airways has completely banned the use of power banks on flights due to the fire risks posed by lithium batteries.
- AirAsia: Similar to Thai Airways, AirAsia has announced restrictions on power bank usage in-flight, with specific capacity limits and guidelines.
- Singapore Airlines and Scoot: These carriers have followed suit, prohibiting the use and charging of power banks using onboard USB ports.
- South Korean Airlines: Following a fire incident on an Air Busan flight, South Korean airlines have enforced stricter policies, with Air Busan completely banning power banks from cabin baggage.
Other international carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Emirates, and Cebu Pacific have also implemented restrictions, although some still allow power banks under 100 Wh in carry-on luggage with specific guidelines for larger capacities.
Africa: Will It Follow the Global Trend?
As the trend of power bank bans continues to gain momentum, African operators are left wondering whether the continent will follow suit. While no major African airline has yet announced a blanket ban on power banks, it is possible that airlines in the region will eventually adopt similar measures to align with international safety standards.
Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are major aviation hubs in Africa, and many of their airlines operate international flights to and from regions with strict power bank regulations. It is only a matter of time before African carriers begin to follow the example set by airlines in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Given the increasing focus on aviation safety, African airlines may also consider implementing restrictions on the transport and use of power banks, particularly on long-haul flights. Passengers flying from African airports to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are likely to encounter more stringent checks at security and boarding gates as global carriers enforce their own safety measures.
Basic Guidelines Being Imposed
Here are some general guidelines being imposed globally.
- Carry-on Only: Power banks are generally not allowed in checked luggage due to the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries. Always pack your power bank in your carry-on bag.
- Capacity Limits: Many airlines impose capacity limits for power banks. Typically, power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed without approval, while those between 101 Wh and 160 Wh may require special permission. Power banks above 160 Wh are often prohibited.
- Usage Restrictions: Some airlines restrict the use or charging of power banks during certain flight phases, such as during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.
- Protective Measures: Power banks should be stored in a protective case or pouch, especially for magnetic wireless charging models, to prevent accidental activation and damage.
While many African carriers have yet to adopt these policies, the global trend suggests that it may be just a matter of time before Africa follows suit.
