Asian Airlines Now Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use (2025–2026)

A growing number of Asian airlines now prohibit passengers from using power banks during flights. You can still bring them on board, but they must remain switched off and stored in your carry-on bag for the entire journey. This guide explains which airlines are affected, what triggered the bans, and what you should do before your next trip.

Which Asian Airlines Have Banned In-Flight Use?

Singapore Airlines (April 2025)

Singapore Airlines updated its policy in April 2025 to prohibit in-flight power bank use. This includes connecting a power bank to the aircraft's USB charging ports to charge other devices. Your power bank must be switched off and kept in your carry-on bag from the moment you board until you deplane.

Singapore Airlines cited lithium battery fire risk as the reason for the change, noting an increase in battery-related incidents on aircraft globally. Official Singapore Airlines advisory

Cathay Pacific (Late 2025)

Cathay Pacific followed Singapore Airlines' lead in late 2025, introducing the same in-flight use ban. Power banks must be stored in cabin baggage and may not be used or connected to any device during the flight. Cathay Pacific restricted items page

Thai Airways (March 2025)

Thai Airways banned in-flight power bank use effective March 15, 2025. The airline's statement cited fire risk and referenced the Air Busan incident as motivation. In-flight charging of devices via personal power banks is not permitted. Straits Times coverage

Korean Carriers (March 2025) — Storage, Not Full Use Ban

South Korea's rule is slightly different: Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, and other Korean-registered carriers do not ban in-flight use outright, but require power banks to be kept visible and within reach — not stored in overhead bins. This means you can use your power bank during the flight, but it must stay in your personal bag or on your tray table, not above you. Korea JoongAng Daily on MOLIT announcement

Why Are Asian Airlines Leading These Bans?

The trend accelerated dramatically after the Air Busan disaster on 29 December 2024. A Jeju Air Boeing 737 caught fire at Muan Airport, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. Investigators identified a lithium battery in the cargo hold as the likely ignition source. Even though that specific incident involved checked baggage (where power banks have always been banned), the political and regulatory response across Asia was immediate.

South Korea's MOLIT acted within weeks. Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) pushed airlines to tighten policies shortly after. China's CAAC introduced the CCC certification requirement by June 2025. The pattern is consistent: Asian regulators have been faster to act than their Western counterparts following battery incidents.

A second factor is the broader regional context. Asia-Pacific has seen a higher rate of lithium battery-related in-cabin incidents than other regions, according to industry data cited by IATA.

Asian Airlines That Still Allow In-Flight Use

Not every Asian carrier has introduced a use ban. As of early 2026:

• Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA — In-flight use generally permitted. Power banks should be kept visible. Standard IATA rules apply.
• AirAsia — Has introduced restrictions on some routes; check your specific booking confirmation.
• IndiGo, Air India — Standard IATA rules, in-flight use permitted. Power banks must be in carry-on.
• Qantas (Australia but serves many Asian routes) — Standard rules, in-flight use permitted.

What You Should Do Before Flying Through Asia

• Check your airline's current policy before every trip. Policies are changing fast — a carrier that allowed in-flight use six months ago may now have a ban. Look for a "dangerous goods" or "restricted items" page on your airline's website.
• Assume in-flight use is banned until confirmed otherwise when travelling on any Asian carrier.
• Keep your power bank accessible but stored. Do not put it deep in a bag or in an overhead bin. Carry it in your personal item under the seat in front of you.
• Do not use your power bank in the cabin without checking. Crew members are now more alert to power bank use and may ask you to stop and store the device.
• Standard size limits still apply. Under 100 Wh is allowed in carry-on on all Asian carriers, no approval needed. 100–160 Wh requires prior airline approval. Over 160 Wh is banned on all passenger flights everywhere.

Sources: Singapore Airlines advisory · Cathay Pacific · Korea JoongAng Daily · Straits Times