Following a series of safety incidents, including a fire on a Busan-Hong Kong flight earlier this year, Hong Kong’s aviation regulator has issued stringent policies on the use of power banks and portable chargers during flights. According to the latest rules, passengers are prohibited from using power banks to charge any portable devices or recharge these external chargers during the flight. Moreover, stowing them in overhead compartments is not permitted.
Lately, lithium-ion batteries and their safety risks in aviation have been a key focus of global scrutiny, prompting regulators to impose stricter guidelines. Airlines worldwide are revising their policies to minimise potential hazards and ensure passenger safety.
Read our guide to explore Hong Kong Airport, including the best places to shop, dine, and unwind.
Hong Kong’s aviation industry bans power bank usage
Hong Kong set to ban in-flight use of portable chargers from 7th April following safety incidents https://t.co/8DfhFuLCBX
— Dimsumdaily Hong Kong (@dimsumdaily_hk) March 24, 2025
Earlier this week, a fire broke out on a Hong Kong-bound flight (Hong Kong Airlines) flying from Hangzhou, a city in Zhejiang province. Following safety protocol, the flight was diverted to Fuzhou. Authorities suspect that the cause of the sudden fire was a power bank stowed in the overhead compartment. No injuries were reported. Following this incident of power bank usage, Hong Kong Airlines has prohibited passengers from using power banks to charge any portable devices during flights.
In January 2025, an Air Busan flight from Gimhae to Hong Kong caught fire before takeoff, forcing 176 passengers to evacuate.
With April’s peak travel season approaching, passengers travelling to and from Hong Kong are advised to stay up-to-date with the latest power bank usage restrictions. While not necessarily banning, several power bank restrictions have been imposed by airlines, such as:
- Singapore Airlines and Scoot: Customers are prohibited from charging their power banks using onboard USD ports and from using the power banks to charge other devices throughout the flight.
- Eva Air: Banning the usage and charging of lithium batteries and power banks.
- China Airlines: Passengers departing from Incheon Airport must cover power bank ports with insulating taps or protective covers; alternatively, they can store the portable chargers in transparent bags or zip locks. These power banks must be kept in the seat pocket or with the passenger. Carrying them in checked-in luggage is prohibited, and stowing them in overhead compartments is discouraged.
- Air Asia: Power banks are banned in checked-in luggage, and those carrying carry-on luggage should ensure the portable charger does not exceed 100 Wh.
- Thai Airways: Power banks are prohibited from charging other devices for the entire flight.
- Starlux Airlines: Power banks are banned for in-flight use and cannot be placed in checked luggage.
- Tigerair Taiwan: Power banks are banned on all Tigerair flights, and those without clearly marked watt-hour ratings or details are not allowed onboard.
- Air Busan: Power banks are prohibited in checked-in luggage and overhead compartments, and charging them during a flight is also prohibited.
(Feature image credit: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
