Airlines Move To Reduce Lithium Battery Fire Risks With New Rules
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted new global regulations restricting the use and carriage of portable smartphone battery chargers on flights, following proposals first introduced by South Korea.
Under the new rules, which took effect on April 20, passengers may carry no more than two portable chargers, commonly known as power banks, in aircraft cabins. Each device must also have a maximum capacity of 160 watt-hours. Airlines will additionally prohibit passengers from charging power banks during flights or using them to charge smartphones while airborne.
Previously, there had been no international limit on the number of portable chargers passengers could bring onto aircraft.
The regulations reflect growing concerns within the aviation industry over the safety risks associated with lithium batteries, which are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods. Although lithium batteries are widely used because they provide high energy output while remaining lightweight, they can ignite or explode if damaged or if their terminals short-circuit, particularly when stored together.
The policy shift follows a series of battery-related incidents in South Korea. In January 2025, a fire broke out aboard an Air Busan aircraft, prompting the Korean government to intensify calls for stricter international standards. South Korea introduced its own restrictions in March 2025 before submitting proposals to ICAO.
The country also experienced a deadly lithium battery factory fire in 2024 that killed 23 people. Following the incident, South Korean shipping giant HMM overhauled its sea freight regulations concerning battery transportation.
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