The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced new strict regulations controlling the carriage of power banks on airplanes, limiting passengers to no more than two power banks each and banning charging power banks during flights entirely. These rules will take effect starting Friday, 27 March 2026 GMT+7.
ICAO, a United Nations (UN) agency, has issued new global safety measures concerning portable energy storage devices, or power banks, on flights worldwide. A key requirement states that each passenger may carry no more than two power banks on board.
Additionally, passengers are prohibited from charging power banks while the aircraft is in flight. However, flight crew members are still permitted to carry and use power banks as necessary for their operational duties.
These measures respond to increasing risks posed by lithium batteries, which can overheat and potentially cause fires, as occurred in the 2025 Air Busan aircraft fire incident. Prior to this, leading airlines such as the Lufthansa Group and South Korea had already begun pilot programs limiting power bank usage.
ICAO stated that this regulatory update reflects ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety, particularly addressing new risks from electronic devices, and is part of a long-term goal to maximize global air travel safety. All 193 member countries have been notified of the new requirements, which officially take effect on 27 March 2026.
In Thailand, airlines are expected to announce clear operational guidelines for passengers ahead of travel to align with these new international standards.