Video: Power bank catches fire on flight, 2 injured
Screengrab from Twitter
Starting March 1, 2025, passengers on Taiwan-based EVA Airways will no longer be allowed to use or charge power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights.
The airline announced the move as part of its new flight safety protocol, the carrier said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
This safety measure follows similar actions by South Korean airlines and aims to reduce the risk of battery-related incidents.
Also Read: Flying soon? Know the fire risks from batteries, power banks
- New ban on charging devices: Passengers must refrain from using or charging power banks and spare lithium batteries on board. Instead, they should use the AC power outlets or USB (Type-A) ports provided at their seats.
- Carry-on only: These devices must be carried in hand luggage and stored properly to prevent compression or damage. They are not permitted in checked baggage.
- Precedent from South Korea: Earlier this month, South Korean carriers implemented a similar ban on February 13, prompted by concerns over potential battery fires following a January incident involving an Air Busan aircraft.
- Other airlines’ policies: While Taiwan’s China Airlines advises passengers to avoid using power banks during flights, it hasn’t enforced a ban. In contrast, Starlux Airlines has prohibited power bank use on board since its launch in 2018.
These changes underscore the industry’s focus on enhancing flight safety amid ongoing concerns about the risks associated with lithium batteries.
Also Read: Powerbank explodes in mid-air: What happened next
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