Singapore Airlines and Scoot join other Asian carriers in restricting power bank use on flights following recent fire incidents.
From April 1, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget arm Scoot will enforce a ban on the use and charging of power banks during flights, following a series of fire-related incidents linked to these devices on other carriers such as Batik Air and Air Busan.
Other Asian airlines, including Thai Airways, Eva Air, and China Airlines, have already imposed similar restrictions. SIA has stated that its flight crew will be vigilant in ensuring passenger compliance, although the airline has not specified penalties for non-compliance. Aviation experts, such as John Tan from Singapore Institute of Technology, anticipate that passengers who disregard the rules may first receive warnings. However, repeat offenders could face fines or have their devices confiscated, with the most extreme cases leading to removal from the aircraft after landing.
The new rule comes after the 2016 global Samsung Galaxy Note 7 ban, which saw multiple airlines, including SIA, refusing boarding to passengers carrying the device due to fire risks. Mr Caleb Sim, a lecturer in aviation management, suggests that stricter enforcement may only occur once national and international aviation authorities establish clear regulations. He notes that Asian carriers typically favour a more polite, service-oriented approach, which may lead to more lenient enforcement initially.
Current regulations, set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), restrict power banks in the cabin based on their watt-hour (Wh) capacity. Power banks up to 100Wh are permitted, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval. Anything above 160Wh is prohibited on board. The ban has raised concerns among frequent flyers, particularly business travellers who rely on power banks during long flights. Some passengers, such as engineer Darren Lee, worry about the lack of accessible charging options, with economy passengers on Scoot paying for in-seat power.
While experts agree that the ban enhances safety, they stress the need for clearer guidelines regarding the types of power banks allowed on board. Mr Sim suggests that more research should be conducted to identify which power banks have been involved in recent fire incidents, as quality and standards vary significantly across brands.
Despite the inconvenience for some travellers, Mr Tan views the ban as part of a broader trend in aviation safety, where airlines are proactively addressing risks posed by emerging technologies and devices.
