Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Thailand are tightening safety rules after mid-air explosions linked to power banks. Consequently, several airlines have banned or restricted these devices to prevent further dangers. The rising incidents highlight urgent safety concerns and demand strict aviation regulations.
A recent flight emergency triggered these crackdowns. On March 21, a Hong Kong Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing after a passenger’s power bank exploded mid-flight. Moreover, this incident was not isolated. Just a month earlier, a Royal Air Philippines flight faced a similar crisis when a power bank caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke.
Due to these alarming cases, major airlines have acted quickly. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have now banned the in-flight use of lithium-based power banks. As a result, passengers can only carry them in hand luggage if they remain visible. Furthermore, charging devices using power banks or aircraft USB ports is no longer allowed. Checked luggage cannot contain these batteries at all.
Beyond Vietnam, international airlines are also enforcing restrictions. For instance, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Air Busan have imposed similar measures to prevent in-flight fires. Additionally, airlines now strictly monitor the transport of electronic devices to enhance safety.
Passengers must also follow new guidelines on battery capacity limits. Each traveler can bring up to ten power banks with a maximum of 100Wh each. However, for those carrying larger batteries, the limit is two units per person.
With these urgent actions, airlines aim to eliminate the risks of faulty power banks. Ultimately, stricter regulations will ensure passenger safety and prevent future mid-air emergencies. Therefore, the aviation industry is taking no chances, prioritizing safety over convenience.
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