SINGAPORE: Passengers departing Singapore will soon be limited to two power banks per person on board flights, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Monday (Apr 6).

The new restriction will kick in on Apr 15 at 12.01am.

Those carrying more than two power banks will have to dispose of the excess devices before their flight.

“Power banks must also not be charged on board the aircraft and passengers are advised not to use power banks to charge their devices during the flight,” said CAAS.

This new restriction comes after a new ruling issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Apr 2 that updated safety requirements associated with the carriage and use of power banks on board aircraft.

“Lithium batteries in power banks can overheat or short-circuit, posing a fire and safety hazard on board flights,” said CAAS.

“ICAO’s new requirement of a maximum of two power banks per passenger and restrictions on the charging and use of power banks on board flights seek to reduce the risk of fire while catering for passengers’ travelling needs.”

CAAS added that it is “working with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to implement the new requirements in a smooth and orderly manner”.

It said that information on the new restrictions will be displayed at key touchpoints across the airport to remind passengers.

Other existing requirements will continue to apply, such as the prohibition of power banks in check-in baggage, capacity limits and the requirement for power banks to be individually protected to prevent short circuits.