Asian Airlines Changing Rules on Portable Batteries on Planes

In January 2025, a fire on an Air Busan plane before takeoff raised alarm bells in the region after initial investigations suggested a power bank might have been responsible.  In response, several Asian airlines operating in Thailand have begun updating their policies on portable batteries to address safety concerns. 

What are the Updated Rules for Portable Batteries on Planes?

According to the updated policies, most Asian airlines now require passengers to keep their portable batteries (also known as power banks) in their carry-on baggage rather than in their checked ones. The reason for this is that batteries stored in the cabin can be quickly accessed in the case of malfunctions, thus reducing the risk of in-flight fires spreading unnoticed.

Though the policies vary for each airline, most contain instructions on how to prepare these batteries for flight and how to store them in the cabin, such as keeping them in their carry-on baggage under seats or in the front seat pocket. Some require the battery to always be within arm’s reach, with there being a strong emphasis on not storing them in overhead compartments.

The use and charging of portable batteries during flights have also been prohibited, and some airlines have set specific limits on the capacity of portable batteries allowed in carry-on baggage:

• Batteries up to 100 watt-hours are allowed onboard without restrictions.
• Batteries between 100 and 160 watt-hours require approval from the airline before departure.
• Batteries over 160 watt-hours are prohibited as carry-on baggage.

When booking a flight, it is advised to review the airline’s regulations on restricted items to avoid complications during check-in or boarding.

Why Airlines Are Updating Their Rules On Portable Batteries

Though there is no definitive link between portable batteries and the fire that engulfed an Air Busan plane in January while it was waiting for takeoff, it was one of several recent incidents that have raised safety concerns within the aviation industry.

Most portable batteries are powered by lithium-ion cells, which can rapidly overheat and trigger a chain reaction that can cause the battery to catch fire or explode. This potential danger, which has caused deadly fires in the past, has put portable batteries under more scrutiny and pushed Asian airlines to change their policies to head off the danger before an actual battery fire occurs in the air.  

By implementing stricter regulations on how portable batteries are handled before and during flights, these airlines hope to reduce the risk of in-flight fires and make it easier for crew members to respond to malfunctions quickly should they occur. 

Asian Airlines Updating Their Portable Batteries Rule

The following Asian airlines have updated their policies on portable batteries:

All South Korean Airlines

As of March 1st, 2025, passengers traveling with South Korean carriers are prohibited from checking in lithium-ion auxiliary batteries, including those in portable power banks.

In addition, passengers are required to either cover the battery terminals with tape or place the batteries in a plastic bag to prevent contact with metal. The batteries must be kept in a carry-on baggage, either under the seat or in the seat pocket, to allow quick access in case of an “abnormal” reaction.

Taiwan’s EVA Airways and China Airlines

On the same date, one of Taiwan’s largest airlines, EVA Airways, prohibited the use and charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights. However, passengers are still allowed to have them in their carry-on baggage, provided that they are properly stored to prevent compression or damage.

China Airlines passengers are subject to these same rules when departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea. 

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana

From March 13th onward, Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights. The airline has also stated that e-cigarettes, lithium batteries, and external batteries must be kept in carry-on baggage and placed on the luggage racks.

Indonesia’s Batik Air

From March 14th onward, Indonesia’s Batik Air, which is a part of the Lion Air Group, has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights. Along with this, passengers have been limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks in their carry-on baggage, and both of which cannot be stored in overhead compartments.

Thai Airways

From March 15th onward, Thailand’s flag carrier airline, Thai Airways, has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights, citing that the incidents of in-flight fires on international airlines were suspected to be linked to power bank usage.

Singapore Airlines and Scoot

From April 1st onward, Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary, Scoot, will prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)

From April 1st onward, the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG), which is the parent of Malaysia Airlines, will also prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights. Though power banks cannot be stored in overhead compartments, they can be kept in carry-on baggage under the seat or in the front seat pocket, while magnetic wireless power banks must be kept in a separate bag.

Hong Kong’s Airlines

From April 7th onward, Hong Kong’s local airlines will prohibit the use and charging of power banks during flights. Furthermore, power banks cannot be stored in overhead compartments.

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Category: Thailand Law