What the new ICAO power bank rules say
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has introduced new safety guidance on portable battery packs (power banks). The update limits passengers to two power banks and prohibits recharging power banks during flights, with immediate effect as described in the report.
ICAO is the UN aviation agency that sets global aviation standards and guidance used by regulators and airlines worldwide. In practice, countries and airlines implement ICAO guidance through their own rules, so travellers should expect airlines to update cabin policies, check-in messaging, and crew enforcement.
For passengers, the simplest rule to remember is: carry no more than two power banks and do not plug a power bank in to charge while you are onboard.
Why lithium battery devices are treated as a cabin risk
Power banks use lithium batteries. These batteries store a lot of energy in a small device, but they can become a fire hazard if damaged, overheated, or poorly manufactured. A battery failure can produce smoke and heat very quickly, which is why aviation safety teams treat lithium incidents as time-sensitive.
Charging is a common risk point because it can increase heat inside the device. If a power bank is already degraded, charging can be the trigger that turns a small fault into a serious event. This is the core safety logic behind banning in-flight charging of power banks.
Airlines generally prefer lithium batteries to stay in cabin baggage (not checked luggage) so crew can react faster if there is a problem. ICAO’s move reduces risk further by limiting quantity and removing the charging trigger during flight.
Why airlines and countries were already tightening rules
Several airlines and regulators had already introduced similar restrictions before ICAO’s announcement. The report mentions the Lufthansa Group and tighter controls in South Korea after battery-related incidents.
One incident referenced is a 2025 fire on an aircraft operated by Air Busan, which raised attention on the safety of lithium battery devices in the cabin. Events like this tend to push the industry toward stricter rules, especially when the risk is hard to predict and the consequences can be severe.
Because airlines already had mixed policies, ICAO-level guidance is likely to standardise expectations across more routes, reducing confusion over time—though short-term differences will still exist.
How global adoption works and what travellers should expect
ICAO guidance is typically adopted by its member states, but implementation still depends on national regulators and airlines. That means enforcement can vary in the early phase. The report notes that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had not yet commented at the time, which shows that some regulators may take time to align public messaging.
In practice, travellers should expect:
• more airlines to clearly ban charging power banks during flights,
• more reminders at check-in or boarding about battery limits,
• and more cabin crew interventions if a passenger is charging a power bank.
Also expect stricter handling of where power banks can be kept during flight. Some airlines may ask passengers not to store power banks in overhead bins while in use, and to keep them visible so any overheating is noticed early.
To avoid trouble when travelling internationally, follow the stricter interpretation even if your airline has not updated every webpage yet.
Simple packing checklist to avoid problems at the airport
You can reduce risk and avoid arguments at the gate with a basic checklist:
- Carry power banks in cabin baggage.
• Keep the count to two power banks.
• Do not charge a power bank onboard. Charge it before boarding, and charge your phone directly (if your airline allows seat power).
• Do not travel with damaged or swollen batteries.
• Keep power banks protected from short-circuits (cover ports/terminals and avoid loose metal items in the same pocket).
• Follow any airline limits on battery capacity (Wh), especially for larger power banks.
If you carry multiple devices, pack one reliable power bank and one backup rather than three or four smaller ones. The takeaway is practical: power banks are now treated as a safety item, not just a convenience accessory. If you adjust your travel habits now, you will face fewer surprises as airlines adopt the new ICAO guidance.
