International Civil Aviation Organization has introduced new safety rules restricting the use of power banks on flights, limiting passengers to two portable battery packs each. The updated regulations, which take effect immediately, also prohibit passengers from recharging power banks during flights. ICAO, which operates under the framework of the United Nations, said in a statement that the new measures are designed to reduce potential safety risks associated with lithium battery devices carried onboard aircraft.
Based in Montreal, ICAO sets global aviation standards that are typically adopted by its 193 member states. The latest guidance focuses on addressing concerns linked to lithium batteries, which are widely used in portable electronics. Power banks are commonly carried by travelers to recharge smartphones, tablets, and other devices, but they can pose fire hazards if damaged, defective, or overheated. Aviation authorities have been paying increasing attention to such risks as passenger reliance on portable charging solutions grows. By limiting the number of power banks and restricting in flight charging, ICAO aims to reduce the likelihood of overheating incidents and improve onboard safety management procedures.
Several airlines and countries had already taken similar steps before ICAO’s announcement. The Lufthansa Group previously tightened restrictions on lithium battery devices, reflecting growing industry caution. Authorities in South Korea also introduced stricter rules following battery related incidents. In 2025, a fire broke out on a plane operated by Air Busan, raising concerns about the safety of portable battery packs during flights. Incidents involving lithium batteries have prompted aviation stakeholders to re evaluate onboard safety procedures and reinforce handling guidelines for electronic devices carried in cabins.
While ICAO establishes international aviation standards, implementation typically depends on national regulators and airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet commented on the new rules. Despite this, the updated restrictions are expected to be adopted widely as regulators continue to strengthen safety measures related to battery powered devices. Airlines often align their policies with ICAO recommendations, particularly when addressing potential fire risks. As passengers increasingly depend on portable electronics for travel, the new guidance reflects a broader effort within the aviation sector to minimize hazards while maintaining safe cabin environments.
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