Local, int'l airlines against power banks onboard

Dhaka : Airlines in the country as well as in the world are banning the usage of power banks onboard. A recent incident on a Hong Kong Airlines flight brought in concerns over the safety of power banks on planes. A fire broke out in the overhead compartment of Flight HX115 allegedly caused by a power bank.

Afterwards, Hong Kong's aviation regulator prohibited air passengers from using power banks during flight. Additionally, passengers would no longer be allowed to store power banks in overhead compartments, the Civil Aviation Department said on March 24, however, they could be kept under a traveler's seat or in the pocket in front of them.

As a result, several airlines have updated their guidance on carrying lithium batteries onboard.

Thai Airways from March 15 prohibited the use and charging of power banks and portable batteries during flights. From March 1, South Korea tightened rules for all South Korean airlines, including keeping power banks and e-cigarettes with passengers and not in luggage bins, and not charging devices onboard.

Singapore Airlines, including budget airline Scoot, from April 1 has prohibited passengers from using or charging portable power banks during flights. MAG, the parent of Malaysia Airlines, said, from April 1, power banks are prohibited in overhead compartments.

In the country, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has imposed regulations on the usage and carriage of portable power banks during flights with an announcement on March 19.

Biman will allow carriage of power banks in carry-on luggage but restrict it in checked luggage.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced similar restrictions on the usage of portable power banks inflight.

The largest private airline of the country said it will not allow passengers to charge power banks using onboard USB ports or to charge any other device using power banks onboard during flights.