Aviation authorities are reminding travellers that portable power banks must be carried exclusively in carry-on luggage and are strictly prohibited from checked-in hold baggage as the summer holiday season begins. This policy, enforced globally by bodies including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Civil Aviation Authority, aims to prevent potentially catastrophic in-flight fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
Safety Risks Of Lithium-Ion Technology
Lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods because they can short-circuit, overheat, and catch fire if they are poorly manufactured or physically damaged. When these devices are subjected to pressure or puncturing inside a cargo hold, they are at significant risk of entering ‘thermal runaway’, a process involving a rapid and uncontrollable increase in temperature.
The energy density of these batteries means that if a fire does start, it can be extremely intense and difficult to extinguish, posing a significant risk to the aircraft.
The danger is compounded by the fact that cargo holds are inaccessible to flight crews during transit. Keeping power banks in the cabin ensures that any ignition or malfunction can be immediately identified and managed by staff under established, rigorously tested safety protocols.
Ensuring Compliance Before Your Flight
Passengers must inspect their portable chargers for any signs of physical damage, such as swelling or cracked casings, before boarding their flights. Any device that appears compromised should not be brought onto an aircraft, even within hand luggage, to prevent internal short-circuiting during the journey.
Airlines are expected to continue screening baggage rigorously during the upcoming peak travel months. Travellers are advised to verify their specific carrier’s baggage policy regarding battery capacity limits, as some airlines impose additional restrictions on the wattage of devices allowed in the cabin.
Future investigations by aviation safety boards will continue to monitor the impact of lithium-based power sources on commercial flight safety.