Air passengers boarding flights in Singapore will be permitted to carry no more than two power banks according to new regulations set to come into force on 15 April 2026, after a ruling by the city-state’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS).
The dangers of lithium batteries were highlighted following fires caused by power banks on board aircraft, including an Air China flight in October 2025, and an Air Busan plane that was destroyed by a blaze in January of the same year.
#ADVISORY: From 15 April 2026, all departing passengers from Changi Airport will only be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks per person, which must be carried in their hand luggage.
— Changi Airport (@ChangiAirport) April 6, 2026
Find out more: https://t.co/KJUoihLjB9
The shift in Singapore—whose Changi International Airport was ranked by Skytrax as the world’s best for the 13th year running in 2025, serving 69.98 million passengers and connecting to over 170 destinations—is similar to rule changes in other jurisdictions. Both Japan and Macao have restricted in-air power bank quantities and charging due to safety concerns. Hong Kong has gone further, with its Civil Aviation Department banning passengers from using power banks on flights. The Asia Pacific region has been particularly proactive on the matter.
Foong Ling Huei, director of Flight Standards at CAAS, said: “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.”
A Safety Alert for Operations (SAFO) was issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2025, alerting stakeholders to the hazard posed by lithium batteries on board aircraft. Authorities around the world have responded with bans and restrictions, including China, where the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has imposed a nationwide ban on uncertified power banks, meaning only valid China Compulsory Certification (3C or CCC) power banks are now permitted on domestic flights.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) caught up with the situation on 2 April 2026, updating global safety guidelines to specify a quota of only two power banks per passenger and limitations on charging and using them in the air. Singapore’s new regulations follow that advice.
ADVISORY ON THE CARRIAGE OF POWER BANKS ON BOARD SIA FLIGHTS
— Singapore Airlines (@SingaporeAir) April 6, 2026
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will implement the updated guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (https://t.co/jAklYH7BXB) and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)…
Many airlines have already acted, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group and Emirates. Passengers should note that power banks are usually prohibited in check-in baggage, and that capacity limits restrict power banks beyond 100Wh unless prior written permission has been obtained. Often, power banks are required to be stored in protective cases or pouches to guard against risks such as short circuits.
