Airlines are tightening safety rules around portable batteries after a dramatic onboard fire raised fresh concerns about the risks posed by power banks. Germany’s Lufthansa is now at the forefront of new restrictions in Europe, moving quickly to limit how and where these devices can be used on its aircraft.
Lufthansa Tightens In-Flight Battery Use
Lufthansa has introduced immediate changes to its onboard policy, banning passengers from charging power banks through seat-back entertainment systems or using them to recharge personal devices during flights. While power banks are still allowed in cabin baggage, the airline has reinforced existing rules that prohibit placing them in checked luggage.
In a further shift, passengers are no longer allowed to store power banks in overhead compartments. Instead, the devices must be kept on the traveller’s person or in hand luggage placed under the seat in front.
Limits on Size and Quantity
The airline has also imposed stricter limits on battery capacity. Power banks carried on board may not exceed 100 watt hours, roughly equivalent to 27,000 milliampere-hours. Passengers wishing to bring larger battery packs must seek approval from the airline in advance. Those who fail to do so risk having the devices confiscated and destroyed.
In addition, travellers are now limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks per flight. Lufthansa says passengers should ensure their phones and other devices are fully charged before boarding or rely on the aircraft’s dedicated USB charging ports.
Fire Incident Sparks Global Safety Review
Lufthansa says the updated policy reflects revised guidance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The new rules apply across the Lufthansa Group, including Swiss, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Discover, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and Air Dolomiti.
The changes follow a serious incident in January 2025, when a power bank stored in an overhead compartment sparked a fire on a South Korean Air Busan flight. The Airbus A321 was still on the ground when flames spread rapidly through the cabin, injuring 27 people. Investigators later confirmed that a damaged power bank caused the blaze, which engulfed the aircraft’s fuselage within minutes.
Passengers were evacuated using emergency slides, and the incident has since prompted aviation authorities worldwide to re-examine safety measures aimed at reducing the risk of battery-related fires in the air.
