No More Power Bank Charging Onboard AirAsia Flights From April

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Hope you weren’t planning on charging your phone mid-flight, because AirAsia is the latest airline to clamp down on power bank usage. Starting 1 April 2025, passengers will no longer be allowed to use or charge power banks during flights, following similar bans recently introduced by Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

That said, your power bank isn’t completely grounded. You can still bring it on board, just with tighter restrictions. The airline’s updated policy states that only power banks rated at 100Wh (20,000mAh) or lower are allowed without prior approval. If yours falls between 100Wh and 160Wh, you’ll need to get clearance from the airline at check-in. Anything beyond that and you will have to leave it behind.

And if you’re thinking of charging your devices mid-air, think again. AirAsia has laid out a clear set of rules for passengers to follow:

• Power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat.

• No placing them in overhead compartments.

• No using power banks throughout the flight.

• No charging other devices with power banks onboard.

• Power banks are strictly prohibited in checked-in baggage.

AirAsia is the latest airline to enforce this rule, but it’s hardly a trendsetter. Singapore Airlines made the first move on 12 March, followed by Malaysia Airlines on 19 March. The restrictions comply with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which classify power banks as lithium batteries, known for their fire risks if damaged or misused.

With airlines worldwide tightening safety regulations around portable batteries, AirAsia’s decision is part of a larger shift. Love it or hate it, expect more airlines to follow suit.