Thai Airways International has announced updated safety rules regarding power banks, limiting passengers to carrying a maximum of two devices onboard while strictly prohibiting their use and charging during flights.
In a social media statement issued on April 3, the airline said the new restrictions have been in effect since March 27 in line with safety guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The policy applies to all Thai Airways flights.
Under the revised rules, passengers are allowed to bring up to two portable power banks in their carry-on baggage, but must not use or charge them while onboard the aircraft. The airline also urged passengers to strictly comply with the measures for safety reasons.
The move comes as several airlines across Asia tighten restrictions on lithium-ion battery devices following a series of onboard fire incidents linked to overheating or malfunctioning power banks.
Regional carriers including EVA Airways and China Airlines have also begun enforcing similar limits, while Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan are set to adopt comparable measures, according to reports.
A number of past incidents have raised concerns, including a 2024 case in Thailand where a power bank reportedly exploded on a Thai AirAsia flight, causing smoke to fill the cabin before the crew managed to contain the situation and land safely.
In another incident, a fire on an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea was linked to a faulty device, prompting wider international restrictions on power banks in aviation. Authorities continue to stress the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or short-circuit if damaged or improperly handled.
