Singapore Airlines Prohibits Usage, Charging Of Power Banks From April 1

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, March 12 (Bernama) -- Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be allowed to use power banks or charge them via the onboard USB ports throughout their flight effective April 1.

In an advisory released on Wednesday, the SIA Group stated that it complies with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations for carrying power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.

"This means power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all SIA flights and are not permitted in checked baggage," the airline said.

It also noted that customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.

"We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority," SIA said.

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of SIA, also released a similar statement on Facebook.

SIA's latest move follows similar restrictions introduced by several airlines across Asia following the risk of fire on board.

-- BERNAMA