Two Vietnamese carriers, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, have required passengers to remove power banks from their carry-on luggage, keep them in a visible location, and refrain from using them during flights for safety reasons, aligning with similar measures implemented by other airlines in the region.​

On Tuesday, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines released a notice emphasizing the importance of safely transporting spare lithium batteries, including power banks, in carry-on luggage to mitigate fire hazards.​

The airline referred to regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association, which require lithium batteries and devices containing them to be transported in strict compliance with safety guidelines.

Non-compliance can result in fire and explosion hazards, posing serious threats to passengers and aircraft.​

Power banks and lithium batteries in general are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. These items must be carried in hand luggage, allowing for close monitoring to prevent potential hazards.

Passengers are advised to remove lithium batteries from their carry-on bags and keep them in an easily observable location during the flight.​

To enhance safety, passengers are advised not to charge lithium batteries using the aircraft's USB ports or use them to power devices while onboard.

Vietnam Airlines allows lithium batteries and electronic devices powered by them, with capacities below 100Wh, to be carried in hand luggage, with a maximum limit of 20 units, including both spare and device-embedded batteries. 

For lithium batteries with capacities ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh, passengers must notify the airline and obtain approval before bringing them on board, with a limit of two batteries.

Batteries exceeding 160Wh, as well as those that are damaged or swollen, are strictly prohibited on flights.​

Vietjet, a low-cost airline, has implemented stringent measures to regulate the transport of such batteries.

Like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet requires passengers to remove power banks from their carry-on luggage and place them in a visible location during their flight.

The airline strictly prohibits passengers from charging power banks or using them to power electronic devices onboard. 

Therefore, Vietjet encourages passengers to fully charge their personal electronic devices before boarding.​

Recent incidents involving power banks catching fire in hand luggage have prompted stricter regulations across the region.

On March 20, a power bank exploded mid-flight on Hong Kong Airlines flight HX115, carrying 160 passengers and eight crew members, forcing an emergency landing.

While no injuries were reported, the incident raised concerns about lithium battery safety in enclosed aircraft cabins.

Following the incident, Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department on March 24 announced new regulations, effective April 7, banning power bank usage and self-charging during flights.

Storing them in overhead compartments is also prohibited for safety reasons.

Several countries and territories, including Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan, have introduced similar bans.

Singapore Airlines announced in a Facebook post on March 12 that passengers are prohibited from using power banks on all flights. 

Thai Airways implemented a similar ban effective March 15, while Malaysia’s AirAsia has also enforced a no-use policy, according to The Straits Times.

In South Korea, new regulations came into effect on March 1 after a January 28 incident in which a power bank ignited aboard an Air Busan flight, injuring seven passengers.

The new rules require passengers to store power banks and e-cigarettes in transparent plastic bags or protective cases, keeping them in seatback or coat pockets.

Charging these devices via in-flight USB ports is also banned.

These preventive measures aim to reduce the risk of onboard fire hazards, Yonhap News Agency reported.

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