Airline power bank ban: Singapore Airlines joins Eva Air, China Airlines in banning popular chargers

Singapore Airlines has joined a growing number of air carriers rushing to ban the use of power banks on board flights.

They join two other airlines — China Airlines and Taiwan’s Eva Air — that have introduced restrictions following an incident on an Air Busan plane in January.

During that episode, a fire caused by a power bank ripped through the plane’s cabin after starting in the overhead luggage compartment.

The passengers and crew miraculously escaped injury, but the airline has since banned power banks on its flights.

Eva Air and China Airlines followed suit before Singapore Airlines announced on Wednesday that it would also prohibit their use.

“Effective 1st April 2025, Singapore Airlines customers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices, throughout the duration of the flight,” the airline said in a statement.

“This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.

“We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.”

In February, Eva Air also ruled that passengers must store power banks in carry-on luggage and not in their checked baggage.

Power bank restrictions on Australian flights

In Australia, the major airlines also have strict rules when it comes to power banks and spare batteries.

“Baggage fitted with non-removable lithium batteries or power banks are forbidden,” Qantas states on its website.

“If in checked baggage the lithium battery or lithium power bank must be removed from the bag.

“The removed lithium battery or power bank must be in carry-on baggage only.

“Non-lithium batteries/power banks can remain fitted in the bag and carried as carry-on or checked baggage.”

The Virgin Australia website states: “Spare/loose batteries (including power banks/packs must be in carry-on baggage only and must be protected against short circuit by, placing in its original retail packaging, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch or insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals.”