Starting October 1st, 13 major global airlines will unanimously enforce a ban on carrying power banks in passenger cabins. This new regulation follows rigorous safety reviews aimed at minimizing fire hazards and ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew members.
Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, has issued an official statement emphasizing the surge in lithium battery-related incidents on global flights as the primary reason for this measure. A spokesperson warned, “These incidents pose severe risks, including fire outbreaks and toxic gas emissions. Banning power banks in the cabin is essential to safeguard everyone on board.”
Several airlines on the list, including Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Cathay Pacific, operate flights to and from Vietnam. (Illustrative image)
Joining Emirates in this initiative are 12 other prominent carriers: Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Air Busan, China Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Tigerair, Starlux, and Asiana. These airlines all operate routes to and from Vietnam, meaning the regulation will directly impact Vietnamese travelers, particularly frequent international flyers or those transiting through these airlines.
The 13 airlines implementing the ban are: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Air Busan, China Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Tigerair, Starlux, and Asiana.
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), spare lithium-ion batteries with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh are still permitted in carry-on luggage for personal use, but must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Glenn Bradley, Head of Flight Operations at the CAA, noted that lithium batteries are found in common devices such as smartphones, cameras, vapes, and power banks. When malfunctioning, these batteries can become uncontrollable fire hazards in the cabin environment.
The CAA advises passengers to carry lithium batteries in their hand luggage rather than checking them in, and to ensure all devices are completely powered off to prevent accidental activation. Power banks should also be stored in easily accessible locations to allow quick response from the crew in case of emergencies.
Aviation experts suggest that this new regulation serves not only as an immediate preventive measure but also as a reminder of the importance of safety when using personal electronic devices during flights. In the confined space of an aircraft, any lithium battery-related fire incident can have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, passengers’ proactive awareness and compliance with these rules are crucial for their own safety and that of the entire flight.
As of October 1st, 13 Airlines Ban Power Banks on Flights: A Must-Know for Vietnamese Travelers!
Discover seamless travel to and from Vietnam with top airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Cathay Pacific, all currently operating flights to this vibrant destination.
