Kuala Lumpur, 26 March - AirAsia, a leading low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia, is set to implement stringent new regulations regarding the use and carriage of power banks on its flights, effective April 1, 2025. This move underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety and aligns with global aviation standards aimed at mitigating risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in portable chargers. The decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns over battery-related incidents in the aviation industry, prompting carriers worldwide to reevaluate and reinforce their policies to ensure a secure travel environment for all onboard.
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Starting April 1, AirAsia will prohibit using and charging power banks during flights across its entire network. This ban extends to all portable electronic devices that rely on airborne power banks for charging, reflecting a proactive approach to minimizing potential hazards. Passengers will still be permitted to carry power banks in their hand luggage, but strict conditions will apply. Each power bank must not exceed a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh), adhering to limits widely recognized by international aviation authorities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For power banks with capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh, airline approval will be required at the check-in counter, ensuring that only devices meeting safety criteria are allowed onboard. Any power banks exceeding 160Wh will be strictly prohibited.
In addition to these capacity restrictions, AirAsia has outlined specific storage requirements to further enhance safety. Power banks must be kept in passengers’ personal belongings, either under the seat or in the seat pocket in front of them, and are explicitly banned from being placed in overhead compartments. This measure aims to keep the devices within reach and under observation, allowing for swift action in the unlikely event of overheating or malfunction. The airline has also reiterated that power banks are not permitted in checked baggage, a rule consistent with longstanding ICAO and IATA regulations due to the risk of lithium batteries igniting in inaccessible cargo holds. These policies are designed to address the inherent dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which, if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme conditions, can experience thermal runaway—a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature leading to fire or explosion. AirAsia’s updated policy follows a series of incidents that have heightened scrutiny on portable electronic devices in aviation. Notably, a mid-flight explosion of a power bank on a Thai AirAsia flight in February 2024, which caused flames and smoke in the cabin, served as a stark reminder of the potential risks. While the crew managed to extinguish the fire quickly, the event catalyzed a broader push for stricter regulations across the industry. AirAsia’s response aligns with actions taken by other regional carriers, such as Thai Airways, which implemented a complete ban on power bank use starting March 15, 2025, and Singapore Airlines, which will follow suit on April 1. These measures reflect a growing consensus that passenger safety must take precedence over convenience, particularly as lithium-ion battery-powered devices become ubiquitous among travelers.
To ensure compliance, AirAsia will actively inform passengers of the new guidelines prior to boarding, with reminders at check-in counters and gates. Onboard, cabin crew will monitor adherence, issuing warnings to those found using power banks during the flight. Persistent noncompliance may result in confiscation of the device, to be returned only upon landing. The airline encourages travelers to charge their electronic devices fully before boarding and to opt for power banks from reputable manufacturers to minimize risks. By enforcing these regulations, AirAsia reinforces its dedication to maintaining a safe and reliable travel experience, a priority that has underpinned its operations since carrying over 800 million passengers since its inception in 2001. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, such proactive steps highlight the critical balance between technological convenience and the paramount importance of safety in the skies.