Singapore Airlines has announced a new policy prohibiting the use of power banks during flights, effective April 1, 2025. Passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks to charge their devices, such as smartphones or tablets, or recharge the power banks themselves using the aircraft’s USB ports. However, power banks can still be carried in hand luggage, provided they remain stowed and unused throughout the flight.
The airline has also reiterated that power banks are strictly prohibited in checked-in baggage. Passengers can carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without prior approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh will require authorization from the airline.
Singapore Airlines said, “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.”
This move aligns with a growing trend among airlines to address safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks. Recently, South Korean carrier Air Busan implemented a complete ban on carrying power banks in hand luggage after a fire incident on January 28, 2025, at Gimhae International Airport. Preliminary investigations by South Korea’s transport ministry suggested that the fire may have been caused by a power bank, specifically due to a breakdown in the battery’s insulation.
Singapore Airlines’ new policy aims to enhance passenger safety while ensuring compliance with global aviation safety standards. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and ensure their devices are fully charged before boarding.
