Thai Airways Bans Use Of Power Banks During Flights
This comes in response to growing concerns over in-flight fires possibly caused by power banks.
By Celine Low — 11 Mar 2025, 12:11 PM
Starting 15 March, the use of power banks will be not be allowed on all Thai Airways flights
The airline announced this new safety measure on Facebook yesterday, 10 March, following recent in-flight fire incidents.
On 28 January, an incident at Gimhae International Airport, South Korea, involved an Airbus A321 that caught fire in its aft fuselage before departure. All 176 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. While the exact cause is still under investigation, lithium-ion batteries — commonly found in power banks — are suspected.
Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia has classified power banks as spare batteries and does not allow them to be in checked luggage
According to the airline's website, power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage. As of 1 January, power banks with a Watt-hour (Wh) rating over 160 Wh, equivalent to about 32,000 mAh, are not permitted on Thai AirAsia flights.
Passengers carrying power banks rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh must notify the airline 48 hours before their departure. Additionally, all batteries must be in good working order and securely packaged to prevent short circuits.
"Thai AirAsia reserves the right to reject all kinds of batteries which are neither in good condition nor well packed. If you are carrying the said items, you must inform Thai AirAsia 48 hours prior to departure time," the airline stated.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) reiterated existing regulations regarding lithium batteries via a statement on 4 March
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.
To enhance passenger safety, CAAM issued the following directives: check-in staff must actively inquire about these items, and airlines must reinforce safety guidelines through announcements and briefings, emphasising that power banks should be kept on the passenger's person, not in overhead compartments.
