The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a directive last week limiting each passenger to only two powerbanks on board. They are also no longer allowed to charge their powerbanks in the aircraft cabin. Users are still allowed to do so.
This new safety measure was issued to reduce the risk following several cabin fire incidents involving Li-Ion powerbanks. Flight crews are also allowed to carry and use powerbanks as required by the aircraft's operations.
Previously, several airlines such as Air Asia, Emirates and Batik Air banned the use of powerbanks on board. Powerbanks are also not allowed to be placed in the overhead compartment of cabin baggage.
The new regulation will come into effect on 27 March 2026. It has been ratified by 36 member states of the ICAO Council with an addendum to the official Technical Instructions document (Doc 9284) to be distributed to 193 ICAO member states.
