Singapore Airlines will impose restrictions on the carriage of power banks on its flights.
The airline, which flies to Johannesburg and Cape Town, will introduce restrictions on the carriage and use of power banks on its flights.
9News reports that Singapore Airlines’ passengers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports.
They will also not be allowed to use power banks to charge their personal devices for the duration of their flight.
Sustainability in the Sky reports that these restrictions come into effect on 1 April 2025.
CARRIAGE OF POWER BANKS ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHTS
With the new requirement coming into place, passengers will still be permitted to carry small power banks with them on flights.
Passengers may carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval.
However, larger power banks, of between 100Wh and 160Wh, will require prior approval by the airline.
Going forward, power banks can only be carried in cabin baggage on Singapore Airlines’ flights.
They will not be permitted in checked baggage.
COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS
Power banks are classified by aviation authorities as lithium batteries.
The Singapore Airlines Group is therefore complying with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks.
DANGER TO ONBOARD SAFETY
The carriage of power banks on passenger flights came into the spotlight after an aircraft operated by a Korean airline caught alight earlier this year.
Following a fire that destroyed the Air Busan aircraft, the airline no longer allows passengers to carry power banks in their cabin baggage.
AIRLINES WITH RESTRICTIONS
The Singapore-based carrier is not the only airline beefing up onboard safety.
Channel Asia News reports that other airlines have also implemented similar safety regulations.
Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has banned the use and charging of power banks during flights.
Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways, has also implemented restrictions.
It will prohibit the use of power banks on its aircraft from 15 March.
This is in an effort to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.
That said, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airlines has not yet made any announcement regarding the implementation of such restrictions.
What are your thoughts regarding the carriage of power banks on passenger flights?
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