On March 21, a Hong Kong Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Fuzhou after a power bank caught fire in the carry-on luggage compartment.
According to new regulations issued by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. Passengers must remove them from carry-on bags, keep them in plain sight next to themselves, and are not allowed to use or charge them via the aircraft’s USB ports throughout the flight. Additionally, each passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of two portable chargers.
Starting April 1, Singapore Airlines will also ban the use of power banks on board. Similar restrictions have already been implemented by Thai Airways, AirAsia, and several other airlines. Meanwhile, South Korean carrier Air Busan has completely banned passengers from placing power banks in checked luggage.