Photo: By Li Pang
Singapore, March 12, 2025 — In a move to enhance passenger safety, Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced that effective April 1, 2025, passengers will be prohibited from charging portable power banks via onboard USB ports or using them to charge personal devices during flights.
This decision aligns with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which classify power banks as lithium batteries. According to these guidelines, power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are prohibited in checked luggage. Passengers are permitted to bring power banks with capacities up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline consent.
SIA emphasized that passenger safety is their top priority and seeks understanding from customers regarding this new policy.
Recent Incidents Highlight Risks
The policy change follows several incidents in Singapore involving power banks:
- Woman’s Power Bank Fire Incident on an SMRT Train (March 8, 2025): A woman’s power bank caught fire in her bag at Raffles Place MRT station. The incident caused passengers to temporarily evacuate the smoke-filled train cabins. Mothership
- Balestier Road Evacuation (March 12, 2024): A power bank ignited in a 26th-floor apartment, prompting the evacuation of approximately 100 residents from Citadines Balestier Singapore. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) extinguished the fire, and one individual was assessed for smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport. The Straits Times
- Scoot Flight Incident (January 10, 2023): A power bank overheated on a Scoot flight preparing to depart from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Singapore. The cabin crew promptly extinguished the resulting fire. The owner of the power bank and a companion sustained minor burns. Channel News Asia
- Bedok Hawker Centre Explosion (January 11, 2019): A man suffered burns when a power bank exploded in his pocket at Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre. He was transported to Changi General Hospital for treatment. The Straits Times
Global Trend Among Airlines
Singapore Airlines joins a growing list of carriers implementing stricter regulations on power bank usage:
- Eva Air and China Airlines: Both airlines, starting March 1, 2025, have banned the use and charging of power banks onboard, urging passengers to utilize in-flight power outlets instead.
- Air Busan: Following a significant fire incident, Air Busan prohibited passengers from carrying power banks in hand luggage, mandating they be kept on one’s person during flights.
These measures underscore the aviation industry’s commitment to mitigating fire hazards associated with lithium battery-powered devices.
Safety Recommendations for Passengers
To ensure safety when traveling with power banks, passengers are advised to:
- Purchase Quality Products: Opt for power banks from reputable manufacturers with necessary safety certifications.
- Avoid Overcharging: Do not leave power banks charging unattended or for extended periods.
- Proper Storage: Keep power banks away from metal objects that could cause short circuits, such as coins or keys.
By adhering to these guidelines and airline policies, travelers can contribute to a safer flying environment for all.
For more information on SIA’s updated policies and safety guidelines, visit their official website.
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