Travellers relying on portable power banks for phones and gadgets are now facing stricter airline restrictions as aviation authorities move to curb growing safety concerns linked to lithium batteries.
The new measures follow a rise in incidents involving overheating, smoke and fires caused by power banks on aircraft.
In March, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced tighter restrictions on lithium battery-powered power banks. Under the updated rules, passengers can carry only two power banks and are banned from charging them during flights.
Travellers are also prohibited from checking power banks into aircraft holds and are instead advised to keep them in the cabin.
Safety concerns intensified this week after an EasyJet flight bound for the United Kingdom was diverted to Rome when a passenger reported that a power bank was charging inside luggage stored in the aircraft hold.
The flight had departed from Egypt and was nearly three hours into the journey before making an emergency diversion and landing about 20 minutes later.
Similar incidents have raised alarm globally.
In November last year, a lithium power bank burst into flames in a passenger’s pocket at Melbourne Airport, leaving the man with burns to his fingers and leg.
The Federal Aviation Administration has linked 29 in-flight incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat this year to power banks on flights connected to the United States.
The agency recorded 97 such incidents in 2025, marking a 94 percent increase compared to the previous year.
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued directives in January warning airlines about the growing dangers associated with portable chargers.
The regulator barred passengers from checking in power banks, prohibited onboard charging, and limited travellers to carrying only two devices.
The NCAA also directed airlines to ensure power banks are not stored in overhead compartments and remain in visible areas during flights.
Nigerian carriers, including Ibom Air and United Nigeria Airlines, have already begun enforcing the restrictions, including banning power banks exceeding 160Wh.
