ASIA: Starting March 15, 2025, Thai Airways will prohibit power banks on all flights, citing passenger safety as the primary reason for this strict policy, as reported by SAYS. The airline announced the ban on March 10, following recent in-flight fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in power banks. This move is part of a broader effort by airlines worldwide to address the risks associated with portable batteries.

Rising safety concerns over power banks

The dangers of lithium-ion batteries have become a growing concern in the aviation industry, with multiple cases of overheating and even fires mid-flight. One of the most alarming incidents occurred on Jan 28 at Gimhae International Airport, South Korea, where an Airbus A321 caught fire in its aft fuselage just before departure.

While investigations are still ongoing, early reports suggest that lithium-ion batteries may have contributed to the blaze. Fortunately, all 176 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, but the incident highlighted the risks posed by improperly handled or malfunctioning power banks.

Power banks are considered high-risk because they store energy that can rapidly discharge if damaged, exposed to heat, or short-circuited. Even though they are essential for modern travellers, their use in-flight has raised serious safety concerns, prompting airlines to reassess their regulations. Thai Airways’ total ban is one of the most extreme measures seen in the industry, demonstrating the airline’s prioritisation of passenger safety over convenience.

How do other airlines regulate power banks?

Unlike Thai Airways’ complete ban, other airlines have opted for a more controlled approach to power bank regulations. Thai AirAsia, for example, treats power banks as spare batteries, meaning they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage but are allowed in carry-on baggage under certain conditions.

Passengers flying with Thai AirAsia must follow specific restrictions based on battery capacity. Power banks exceeding 160 Wh (32,000 mAh) are completely banned from flights, while those rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require passengers to notify the airline 48 hours in advance.

Thai AirAsia has also implemented strict safety packaging requirements, stating that all power banks must be in good condition and securely stored to prevent short circuits. The airline has made it clear that any damaged or improperly packed batteries will not be allow...