Thai Airways will ban the use of power banks in flight from March 15, 2025, but passengers can continue bringing them on board. They are not allowed in checked luggage.
The ban follows the Air Busan plane incident where the plane burned down in South Korea and power bank is expected to be the cause, although not yet confirmed.
You can access Thai Airways here.
Thai Airways has issued the following notice:
Thai Airways Implements Power Bank Regulations for Passenger Safety
Following incidents of in-flight fires on international airlines, suspected to be linked to power bank usage, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has introduced new safety measures.
Effective March 15, 2025, the use of power banks will be prohibited while onboard the aircraft.
These measures are implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew. We kindly ask for your cooperation in adhering to these regulations and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Thai Airways also has the following infographic up on its website about what power banks you can bring and how many on board of its flights:
Conclusion
I certainly tend to recharge my mobile devices during flights from power banks, as the power plugs are not usually conveniently located on the seats, and it is too easy to leave cables behind (I recently left my laptop power cable on the plane).
It must be challenging for an airline to ensure that passengers are not using these devices during flights, and it would be easier if all airlines had the same rules in place.
Korean airlines apparently don’t allow power banks in overhead compartments, whereas, with Thai Airways, you need to store them there and not use.
