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Power banks must also not be charged on board the aircraft and passengers are advised not to use power banks to charge their devices during the flight.
Effective 15 April 2026, passengers departing from Singapore may carry a maximum of two power banks per person on board flights. Those carrying more than two power banks will be required to dispose of the excess power banks prior to the flight, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Monday (6 April).
The restrictions come following an addendum to the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 2 April 2026, to update safety requirements associated with the carriage and use of power banks on board aircraft.
CAAS explained that lithium batteries in power banks pose a fire and safety hazard on board flights due to potential overheating or short-circuiting. In that vein, ICAO's recently introduced requirement of a maximum of two power banks per passenger, as well as restrictions on the charging and use of power banks on board, aims to reduce the risk of fire while still catering to passengers’ travel needs.
Crew members will, however, be allowed to continue carrying and using power banks in line with the operational requirements of the aircraft.
In Singpore's context, CAAS said it is currently working with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to implement the new requirements in a smooth and orderly manner. It added that the respective airlines will inform their passengers of the new requirements.
"In consultation with the airlines, CAAS will provide some time for the airlines to do so and for passengers to familiarise themselves and have the requirements take effect only from 15 April 2026. In the meantime, passenger service and security screening officers will be trained. Information on the new restrictions will also be displayed at key touchpoints across the airport as a reminder to passengers", the aviation authority shared.
Other existing requirements continue to apply, including the prohibition of power banks in check-in baggage, capacity limits, and the requirement for power banks to be individually protected to prevent short circuit.
Some airlines have previously implemented related safety measures. Since March 2025, Singapore Airlines has prohibited passengers to charge portable power banks via the onboard USB ports, or use power banks to charge their personal devices, throughout the duration of the flight.
Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage. Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.
Similarly, the Airport Authority Hong Kong recently introduced restrictions for passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport, wherein passengers are only allowed to carrying a maximum of two lithium battery-powered power banks per person. Under the updated rules, passengers are also prohibited from recharging their power banks on board flights.
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