Airlines are introducing stricter rules for portable batteries after a fire on a South Korean Air Busan flight in January 2025. Germany’s Lufthansa is leading Europe in tightening safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
New Rules for Onboard Use
Lufthansa has banned passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights or connecting them to seatback entertainment systems. While the batteries are still allowed in cabin luggage, storing them in overhead compartments is now prohibited. Passengers must carry them on their person or place them under the seat in hand luggage.
Size Limits and Quantity Restrictions
Power banks are now limited to 100 watt hours (approximately 27,000 mAh). Travelers wishing to bring larger batteries must notify the airline and obtain approval in advance, or the devices may be confiscated and destroyed. Each passenger may carry up to two power banks per flight. These rules apply to all Lufthansa-operated and affiliated carriers, including Swiss, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Discover, and Air Dolomiti.
Lessons From a Dangerous Incident
The policy change follows a serious fire on an Air Busan Airbus A321, caused by a power bank stored in an overhead compartment. The blaze injured 27 people and spread quickly, but all passengers evacuated safely via emergency slides.
The incident prompted aviation authorities worldwide to review safety guidelines for lithium batteries, leading airlines like Lufthansa to adopt stricter measures to reduce the risk of onboard fires in the future.
