Thai Airways has tightened restrictions on battery banks onboard their flights. The move is in response to safety concerns after an aircraft fire was caused by a similar product.
Preventive Measure: No Battery Banks in Overhead Compartments
Airlines in the Asia region have started tightening their policies on portable batteries onboard aircraft after a fire occurred on an Air Busan plane earlier this year. The fire, potentially caused by an overheated battery bank, caused airlines to review their policies on bringing and using similar items.
Starting from 15 March, passengers flying with Thai Airways cannot store their battery banks in checked-in luggage or overhead compartments. Using similar products en route is also prohibited. Passengers can bring a maximum of 2 x 160Wh battery banks (a total of 320Wh capacity) with them.
AirAsia, a budget airline from the same region, also announced similar policies: charging with a battery bank is prohibited en route, and only products adhering to IATA standards and in good condition can be brought onboard.
Tightened regulations, Safer Aviation.
Consecutive incidents urged airlines to review and update regulations according to changing landscapes.
Other Asia-based airlines, such as EVA Air, have also announced a ban on using similar products onboard.
Battery banks are a category of carry-on items that bring safety concerns. The vast array of manufacturers, alongside products of varying qualities, makes it hard to ascertain how the product will react to changing air pressure in the cabin.
Until a clear, widespread solution is developed, tightened regulations give travellers peace of mind while flying with different airlines.
What do you think about these new regulations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
