A series of airlines prohibit carrying or using power banks

A power bank is believed to have caused a fire on a plane carrying 176 people recently, injuring seven people.

Many airlines have issued new regulations regarding power banks - Illustration photo: REUTERS

Thai Airways International on March 7 banned the use of power banks on flights to reduce the risk of fire and explosion caused by lithium batteries.

Bangkok Post quoted Thai Airways' announcement that this regulation will take effect from March 15. Accordingly, passengers are not allowed to use or charge spare batteries during the flight. However, passengers can still carry spare batteries in their carry-on luggage.

According to the Strait Times (Singapore) newspaper on March 7, Malaysia's AirAsia also issued a policy banning the use of power banks on flights.

Previously, Air Busan (South Korea) banned passengers from storing power banks in overhead luggage compartments to reduce the risk of fire and explosion and ensure timely handling in case of overheating or smoke, according to VNA.

The measure was taken after a fire broke out on a plane carrying 176 people on January 28, as it was preparing to depart for Hong Kong (China), injuring seven people. The cause is believed to be a spare battery charger.

Following the incident, South Korea has issued new regulations regarding power banks on domestic flights. Accordingly, from March 1, air passengers must place power banks and electronic cigarettes in transparent plastic bags or specialized protective bags, ensuring that the exposed terminals are covered; and are only allowed to place these items in seatback pockets or jacket pockets, according to Yonhap.

In addition, passengers will also be banned from charging power banks and e-cigarettes using USB ports on airplane seats.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said the measure was a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of fires caused by lithium batteries on board aircraft. The ministry also said it would recommend that foreign airlines adopt similar regulations in the future.

Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries used in devices such as mobile phones, tablets, power banks and e-cigarettes. According to aviation safety standards, these devices cannot be placed in checked baggage because they pose a high risk of explosion if damaged or overheated.

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MINH ANH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/loat-hang-bay-cam-mang-hoac-dung-sac-du-phong-20250309155145594.htm