More airlines ban the use of power banks on planes 🔋

Airlines across Asia are banning the use and charging of power banks on board aircraft, turning what was once a precautionary measure into a common standard. Airlines in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore are tightening their rules following a fire in January that destroyed an Air Busan plane on the tarmac of a South Korean airport. These restrictions are due to growing safety concerns – lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common for overheating and catching fire.

What's new as of 2025:

Vietnam Airlines and VietJet also now prohibit the use of power banks on board.

Emirates introduce stricter rules from 1st October 2025:

• You cannot charge devices with a power bank onboard.

• You also cannot charge the power bank itself during the flight.

• The powerbank must be stowed either in your seat pocket or under the seat in front — not in the overhead bins.

• Only power banks under 100 Wh are allowed.

For reference, 100 Wh roughly equals ~ 27,000 mAh (depending on voltage).

Ban on carrying large numbers of power banks on domestic flights in China

Effective immediately, only power banks bearing the 3C logo (China Compulsory Certification) are permitted on domestic flights in China. All others will be confiscated or can be sent to you for a fee.

Some airlines that have banned use of power banks in the cabin include: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, Air Busan, and others.

Importantly, none of this means you can’t carry lithium‑ion batteries at all. You just can’t use or charge them in flight. They must stay in your hand luggage.

What this means for UK travellers (Pirates)

Here’s how you can stay safe (and compliant) when travelling from the UK:

• Before you fly, fully charge all your devices (phone, tablet, camera, etc.). You won’t be able to rely on a powerbank during the flight.

• Only pack power banks under the 100 Wh threshold (this covers most of the popular ones — e.g. 10,000 mAh models).

• Always carry your power bank in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.

• Don’t expect to plug in or charge anything during the flight via your power bank.

• If you’re flying via or in Asia (or China), check the airline’s policy in advance, especially for internal flights there.

• Be extra cautious and proactive — rules are evolving, and what’s allowed today may be banned tomorrow.