Vietnamese Airlines Introduce Complete Ban on Power Banks: What Passengers Should Do Now.

New Restrictions on Power Bank Use

According to The Sun: Two airlines have imposed new strict bans on the use of power banks during flights. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have become the latest carriers to prohibit the use of power banks aboard their aircraft.

New Rules for Passengers

According to the new rules, passengers cannot charge their devices with power banks on board. These batteries cannot be charged from the power outlets on the aircraft.

While they are allowed to be carried in the cabin, their use is prohibited, and they must always be visible. Power banks also cannot be transported in checked luggage, only in carry-on baggage.

These measures have been introduced due to increasing concerns about the safety of lithium batteries aboard.

The airline has already implemented new fire-resistant gloves and bags for firefighting on board.

“Lithium batteries stored in overhead compartments or in carry-on luggage can be sealed, difficult to access, or unable to be monitored by passengers or crew members. Therefore, detecting thermal runaway and taking fire extinguishing actions may be delayed during flight, increasing safety risks.”

Other Airlines Joining the Ban

This strict new policy on power banks has been adopted by many airlines this year. Air Busan was the first company to ban the use of power banks after a fire on one of its flights in January due to a faulty device, which resulted in the aircraft being written off.

The ban has also been implemented by Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines for flights from the UK. Eva Air, Thai Airways, Air Asia, Tigerair, and Starlux have also joined this list.

The Japanese Ministry of Transport has recommended that all passengers keep power banks visible during flights, which applies to all airlines operating in the country.