AirAsia & Thai Airways ban use of power banks during flights

AirAsia and Thai Airways have introduced new restrictions to ban the use of power banks for charging devices during flights, The Nation reported.

This was following a rise in cabin fire incidents.

Can still be carried in hand luggage

AirAsia has implemented the policy to ban power banks for charging devices during flights.

But power banks can still be carried in hand luggage, provided if they have clear capacity labels, be in good condition and comply with IATA safety standards.

AirAsia allows power banks that have a watt-hour rating not exceeding 100Wh.

Thai Airways will institute the complete ban on the use of power banks during flights from Mar. 15.

Likewise, passengers will still be allowed to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage, provided they adhere to capacity limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

These regulations are aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.

They prohibit power banks in checked baggage due to the risk of lithium batteries overheating.

Airlines in South Korea and Taiwan have implemented stricter measures, including bans on charging power banks in-flight and restrictions on overhead storage.

In February 2024, a power bank exploded mid-flight on board an AirAsia plane.

The plane was flying from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south of Thailand when flames and smoke were seen 30 minutes into the journey.

The fire was put out in a few minutes.

Top photos via Unsplash & kentmaherr/TikTok