Hong Kong, April 8 - Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, has recently implemented a significant policy change that prohibits its pilots and cabin crew from carrying power banks on flights while on duty. This decision, which came into effect on April 7, 2025, has sparked discussions within the aviation industry due to its implications for crew members and its contrast with existing passenger regulations. The move is rooted in heightened safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, which power banks rely on, and reflects a broader trend among airlines to mitigate risks associated with these devices in the wake of recent incidents.
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The airline’s decision to ban power banks for its operating crew stems from a desire to enhance safety protocols. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in portable chargers, have long been identified as potential fire hazards in aircraft environments. Overheating or malfunctioning batteries can lead to thermal runaway, a chain reaction that may result in smoke, fire, or even explosions, events that pose severe risks at 30,000 feet. This concern is not hypothetical; the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reported that in 2024 alone, lithium battery-related incidents caused an average of three fires every two weeks on passenger and cargo flights. A notable example occurred on January 28, 2025, when a power bank was blamed for a fire that engulfed an Air Busan plane in South Korea before takeoff, prompting a wave of stricter regulations across Asian carriers.
Cathay Pacific’s new rule applies exclusively to its pilots and cabin crew, who are now forbidden from bringing power banks aboard, even in their personal belongings, while on duty. In contrast, passengers are still permitted to carry these devices in their cabin baggage, provided they adhere to specific guidelines. These include restrictions on using or charging power banks during flights and a prohibition on storing them in overhead compartments. The airline has justified this disparity by emphasizing the unique responsibilities of crew members, who must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to emergencies without the added risk of carrying potentially hazardous items. To accommodate their needs, Cathay has instructed crew to rely on adaptor plugs to charge devices during layovers, though this solution has drawn criticism for its impracticality, particularly at overseas outposts where access to compatible outlets may be limited.
The policy aligns with a directive from Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, which also took effect on April 7, 2025, banning passengers from using or recharging power banks in-flight. Cathay Pacific has stated its full compliance with these regulations, underscoring its commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety. However, the blanket ban on crew possession goes a step further than the passenger restrictions, a move the airline defends as a proactive measure to reduce risks. This follows a pattern seen among other regional carriers, such as Singapore Airlines and Scoot, which have similarly tightened rules on power bank usage, though Cathay’s approach stands out for its stringent application to staff. Crew members, represented by the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union, have expressed frustration over the policy, highlighting the inconvenience it poses during long-haul flights and layovers. They argue that while passengers retain some flexibility, the crew faces a “double standard” that complicates their ability to stay connected and operational. The airline has acknowledged these concerns but maintains that safety must take precedence, equipping flights with specialized tools to handle any lithium battery incidents that might arise. As the aviation industry grapples with the growing presence of lithium-ion devices, Cathay Pacific’s ban reflects a cautious stance—one that may set a precedent for others to follow, even as it navigates the balance between safety and practicality for its workforce.