Vietnam Airlines bans the use of power banks on planes

Power banks are not allowed to be checked in or used during Vietnam Airlines flights.

Spare batteries are included in the list of products banned from use on Vietnam Airlines planes. Photo: VNA .

In the recently updated flight regulations, Vietnam Airlines noted that users are not allowed to bring spare batteries onto the plane as checked baggage. At the same time, the said product must be removed from the bag and placed in an easily visible place next to the passenger.

Device owners are also not allowed to use spare batteries during the flight. Specifically, the airline prohibits charging the product using the plane's USB port. Charging other devices such as computers and phones with spare batteries is also not allowed.

“Each battery needs to be individually protected and completely shut down to avoid activation,” the airline noted.

Regulations on transporting power banks on Vietnam Airlines aircraft.

Recently, many airlines in the region have also updated new regulations, limiting the use of spare batteries. On March 7, Thailand's Thai Airways International banned the use of the product on all routes due to fire and explosion concerns. The Bangkok Post said the requirement took effect from March 15. Similarly, Malaysia's Air Asia has also banned this type of device.

In South Korea, Air Busan has banned passengers from storing spare batteries in the overhead compartment, to limit fires and explosions and to be able to handle incidents. The measure was taken after a fire caused by a spare battery on a plane carrying 176 passengers to Hong Kong (China), injuring 7 people in late January.

According to Yonhap, after the incident, South Korea has implemented new regulations for products on domestic flights. Passengers must place power banks and e-cigarettes in transparent plastic bags, with the exposed terminals covered. They are also prohibited from charging these devices using USB ports on the plane.

Lithium in the structure of lithium-ion batteries is an alkaline metal, which is flammable. In addition, defects in the production and use process can also cause the product to degrade and spontaneously combust. In addition, battery fires are often very difficult to extinguish by conventional methods.