Power bank ban: UK’s Civil Aviation Authority issues warning about
A peak aviation body has issued a warning after banning a popular travel product, cautioning the item could ‘catch fire’ and ‘explode’ onboard.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has warned British tourists not to pack portable power chargers, saying they won’t be allowed in checked luggage because of the risk they could burst into flames during the flight.
The CAA said in a statement: “Poorly manufactured, faulty and misused lithium batteries and those which have not been protected against short circuit can experience something called ‘thermal runaway’.
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“If that were to happen on the flight deck, it could significantly disrupt the operation of the aircraft and cause serious injury to flight crew.”
It comes as several airlines rush to ban the use of the chargers on flights.
Singapore Airlines, China Airlines and Taiwan’s Eva Air all introduced restrictions following an incident on an Air Busan plane in January.
A fire caused by a power bank ripped through the plane’s cabin after starting in the overhead luggage compartment.
The passengers and crew miraculously escaped injury, but the airline has since banned power banks on its flights.
In Australia, the major airlines also have strict rules when it comes to power banks and spare batteries.
“Baggage fitted with non-removable lithium batteries or power banks are forbidden,” Qantas states on its website.
“If in checked baggage the lithium battery or lithium power bank must be removed from the bag.
“The removed lithium battery or power bank must be in carry-on baggage only.
“Non-lithium batteries/power banks can remain fitted in the bag and carried as carry-on or checked baggage.”
The Virgin Australia website states: “Spare/loose batteries (including power banks/packs must be in carry-on baggage only and must be protected against short circuit by, placing in its original retail packaging, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch or insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals.”
