Singapore Airport to Enforce Strict New Power Bank Rules from Next Week
Singapore's major international airport is poised to implement stringent new regulations concerning the carriage of power banks in hand luggage, with the changes scheduled to take effect as early as next week. From 15 April 2026, passengers departing from Singapore will be permitted to carry a maximum of two power banks per person on board flights. Any individual found with more than two power banks will be required to dispose of the excess units before proceeding with their journey.
Enhanced Safety Measures and Usage Restrictions
The new Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) restrictions for power banks on flights departing Singapore form part of updated safety requirements linked with these devices on board aircraft. In addition to the quantity limit, power banks must not be charged on board the aircraft, and passengers are strongly advised against using power banks to charge their electronic devices during the flight. These measures are designed to mitigate the risk of fire and enhance overall safety.
Singapore Changi Airport, a major international hub and popular destination for layovers, which saw 70 million passengers pass through its corridors in 2025, will be at the forefront of implementing these rules. The lithium batteries contained within power banks can overheat or short-circuit, posing a significant fire and safety hazard on board flights. The new requirement of a maximum of two power banks per passenger, coupled with restrictions on charging and usage, aims to reduce this risk while still accommodating passengers' travelling needs.
Implementation and Passenger Communication
CAAS is collaborating closely with airlines to ensure the new requirements are implemented in a smooth and orderly manner. Airlines will be responsible for informing their passengers of the new regulations, and CAAS will provide adequate time for this communication process. Concurrently, passenger service and security screening officers will undergo comprehensive training to enforce the rules effectively.
Information regarding the new restrictions will be prominently displayed at key touchpoints across the airport, serving as a constant reminder to passengers. Other existing requirements will continue to apply, including the prohibition of power banks in check-in baggage, capacity limits, and the necessity for power banks to be individually protected to prevent short circuits, such as by keeping them in protective pouches.
Global Context and Expert Warnings
It is noteworthy that Singapore is not the first aviation hub to crack down on portable chargers and power banks. Plane passengers are increasingly being urged to exercise caution when packing power banks, as many major airlines have implemented strict rules or outright bans. Since last year, numerous carriers have prohibited passengers from bringing power banks in checked luggage due to the risk of lithium batteries overheating and causing fires in the cargo hold.
If damaged, lithium-ion batteries can trigger aggressive fires and release highly toxic fumes through a process known as thermal runaway. Giuseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First highlighted the dangers, stating, 'Lithium-ion batteries can hold a sizable amount of energy in a very small space, and can pose a serious fire risk if they become damaged or are manufactured to a substandard level.'
Following a series of incidents that raised safety concerns, several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Emirates, have banned the use of power banks on their flights entirely. As airlines may also enforce more restrictive policies on power banks, passengers are strongly advised to check with their specific airline before travelling to ensure compliance.
Official Statement and Call for Compliance
Foong Ling Huei, director of flight standards at CAAS, emphasised the importance of the new measures, saying, 'The new requirements will help reduce the risk of fire caused by power banks on board flights. We urge all passengers to familiarise themselves and comply with the new requirements, for their own safety and the safety of other passengers.' From next week, passengers will be allowed to take a maximum of two power banks each on flights, marking a significant step towards enhanced aviation safety in the region.
