ICAO Sets Global Limits on Power Banks for Flight Safety

This article is based on an official press release from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

On March 27, 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced immediate, globally standardized restrictions on the carriage and use of lithium battery-powered power banks on commercial flights. Driven by a sharp increase in in-flight battery fires and thermal runaway incidents, the new mandate fundamentally changes how passengers travel with portable chargers.

According to the official ICAO press release, the new regulations legally limit passengers to two power banks each and strictly prohibit recharging them at any point during a flight. This regulatory shift amends the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284) and establishes a universal baseline for all 193 ICAO Member States.

By standardizing these rules, the global aviation industry aims to mitigate the severe risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires in pressurized aircraft cabins, prioritizing passenger safety over in-flight convenience.

The New Global Standard for Power Banks

Passenger Limits and Crew Exemptions

The new specifications, which took effect immediately upon announcement on March 27, 2026, create a unified legal framework for international and domestic air travel. Airline passengers are now legally restricted to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person. Furthermore, passengers are strictly prohibited from plugging in or recharging these devices while on board the aircraft.

The ICAO notes in its release that flight crew members are exempt from these specific limitations. Crews may continue to carry and use power banks in accordance with the operational requirements of the aircraft. The new rules were recommended by the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel, endorsed by independent technical experts from the ICAO Air Navigation Commission, and officially approved by the 36-state ICAO Council.

The Threat of Thermal Runaway

Catalyst Incidents and Rising Danger

The core issue driving this sweeping regulation is the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. When a battery is damaged, defective, or overheats, it can enter an uncontrollable, self-heating state that releases flammable gases and causes intense fires. At cruising altitudes of 35,000 feet, cabin pressure can cause a weak or degraded battery to expand and rupture more rapidly than it would on the ground.

Historically, passengers have charged devices inside carry-on bags stored in overhead bins. If a fire starts inside a closed bin, it is difficult for flight attendants to detect the smoke early and extinguish the flames quickly. The ICAO’s decision follows a highly documented spike in battery-related aviation emergencies over the past two years.

A primary catalyst for the new rules was the Air Busan fire on January 28, 2025. According to industry incident reports, an Airbus A321 preparing for takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea caught fire after a passenger’s power bank short-circuited inside an overhead luggage bin. The cabin filled with smoke, forcing the emergency evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew via inflatable slides, resulting in seven minor injuries.

Furthermore, data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded a record 81 to 89 lithium-battery incidents in 2024, averaging over 1.5 per week. By August 2025, the FAA had already tracked 50 verified battery-related incidents for the year.

Transitioning from Fragmented Rules to Universal Safety

Airline Policies Preceding the Mandate

Before the ICAO’s global mandate, several countries and major airlines had already begun fragmenting the regulatory landscape with their own strict policies. Following the Air Busan fire, the South Korean government banned the storage of power banks in overhead bins in March 2025. Shortly after, in May 2025, Southwest Airlines became the first U.S. airline to require that any power bank used during a flight remain visible and unplugged while inside a bag or bin.

By early 2026, the restrictions had intensified. The Lufthansa Group implemented a blanket ban on the in-flight use and charging of power banks across all its airlines in January 2026, limiting passengers to two devices. Japan’s transport ministry also notified airlines of an impending nationwide ban set to take full effect in April 2026. Other carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and EVA Air, instituted severe restrictions throughout 2025.

AirPro News analysis

We view the ICAO’s intervention as a necessary step to eliminate the confusing patchwork of airline-specific regulations that frustrated travelers throughout 2025. For the everyday passenger, the era of relying on high-capacity power banks to keep devices charged on long-haul flights is effectively over; travelers will now have to depend solely on built-in aircraft USB and power outlets.

Moreover, this mandate aligns perfectly with the broader ICAO Strategic Plan 2026–2050. As noted in the organization’s strategic documentation:

The ICAO has set a long-term aspirational goal of achieving “zero fatalities” in international commercial aviation by 2050.

Mitigating the emerging risk of lithium battery fires is a critical step in protecting passengers and aircraft from catastrophic mid-air emergencies. While primarily a safety mandate, the ICAO also notes that these improvements reflect the organization’s overarching commitment to a sustainable and secure aviation network, supporting their parallel goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I still bring a power bank on my flight?

Yes, but you are legally limited to a maximum of two power banks per person, and they must be brought in your carry-on luggage, not checked bags.

Can I charge my phone using a power bank during the flight?

No. Under the new ICAO regulations effective March 27, 2026, passengers are strictly prohibited from recharging power banks or using them to charge other devices at any point during the flight.

Does this rule apply to all airlines?

Yes. The mandate amends the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, establishing a universal baseline for all 193 ICAO Member States and their respective commercial airlines.

Sources:

• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Press Release