Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiaries, Firefly and MASwings, now join other carriers in Malaysia in implementing stricter regulations for power banks onboard flights.

In an effort to enhance passenger safety, Malaysia Airlines, along with its subsidiaries Firefly and MASwings, will enforce new policies regarding the carriage of power banks on their flights, effective April 1, 2025. This move aligns with global concerns over the potential hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries, especially following a series of incidents involving power banks, and passengers will soon see all carriers in Malaysia enforcing stricter policies on the carriage and usage of power banks on flights.​

NEW GUIDELINES FOR MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Under the revised policy, passengers are required to keep power banks on their person throughout the flight. Storing them in overhead compartments is strictly prohibited; however, they may be placed in carry-on bags stowed under the seat or in the seat pocket in front of the passenger, with the expectation that any problems with the power bank (e.g., overheating leading to smoke or fire) would be spotted much more quickly this way.

Additionally, magnetic wireless charging power banks must be stored in a separate bag or protective pouch to prevent accidental activation. The airline has also banned the use or charging of power banks during flights and reiterated that power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries are forbidden in checked baggage. These measures aim to minimize the risk of fire hazards associated with these devices.​

BATIK AIR’S UPDATED MEASURES

Similarly, Batik Air has revised its power bank policy to enhance onboard safety. Effective immediately, passengers are allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh) in capacity, though some airlines enforce 10,000 mAh. These power banks must be kept on the passenger’s person at all times and are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. The use of power banks inside the aircraft cabin is also prohibited.

AIRASIA’S REGULATIONS

AirAsia has also reinforced its regulations concerning power banks to ensure passenger safety. Passengers are permitted to carry power banks in their hand luggage, provided they have clear capacity labels and do not exceed 100Wh. However, the use or charging of power banks during flights is strictly prohibited. This policy aligns with measures adopted by other airlines to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

WORLDWIDE RESPONSE GROWS FOLLOWING INCIDENTS

The aviation industry has witnessed several incidents involving power banks, prompting airlines worldwide to tighten regulations. For instance, Singapore Airlines and its low-cost carrier Scoot have banned the use and charging of power banks onboard flights starting April 1, 2025. This decision follows incidents like the one on an Air Busan flight in Korea, where a power bank caught fire while the plane was taxiing. Similarly, Thai Airways is another regional carrier that has banned the use or charging of power banks in flight.

In another incident closer to home, a Batik Air flight from Johor Bahru to Bangkok experienced an incident involving a power bank ignition on February 24, causing smoke to fill the cabin. The quick response of the crew and passengers prevented a potential disaster, but the event underscored the dangers of carrying power banks without proper precautions.

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGERS

Given these developments, passengers are advised to adhere strictly to airline policies regarding power banks to ensure safety:​

• Carry-On Only: Always carry power banks in your hand luggage; they are prohibited in checked baggage.​
• Capacity Limits: Ensure that power banks do not exceed the airline’s specified capacity limits (commonly 100Wh or 20,000mAh, but this may vary, with some airlines still adhering to the 10,000mAh standard as a maximum).​ It’s best to ensure your particular unit has an original label clearly stating its capacity.
• On-Person Storage: Keep power banks on your person during the flight (i.e., not in the overhead bin), as some airlines require this to prevent potential hazards from going unnoticed.
• Usage Restrictions: Refrain from using or charging power banks during the flight, as this is prohibited by many airlines.​
• Proper Packaging: Store magnetic wireless charging power banks in a separate bag or protective pouch to prevent accidental activation.​

By following these guidelines, passengers can contribute to a safer flying environment for everyone on board.​

The recent policy changes by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, and, more broadly, other carriers worldwide, reflect a revised approach to addressing the safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

As incidents involving power banks have highlighted potential dangers, airlines are implementing stricter regulations to protect passengers and crew. Airline passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their carrier’s policies and adhere to guidelines to ensure a safer journey.