SINGAPORE: From April 15, travellers departing Singapore can only carry up to two power banks in their hand luggage, as part of new rules imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The restriction applies to all rechargeable battery packs, including those with capacities of up to 100 watt-hour (Wh) and those between 100Wh and 160Wh that require prior approval.
In a statement on April 6, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said passengers carrying more than two power banks will be made to dispose of any extra power banks before boarding.
The new regulations were put in place by the ICAO on April 2, meant to “update safety requirements associated with the carriage and use of power banks on board aircraft.”
CAAS said the international regulator’s decision aims to reduce fire risks while still meeting travellers’ needs, as the lithium batteries in power banks can pose a fire hazard on flights if they overheat or short-circuit.
ICAO first made the announcement on March 27. At the time, it said the measures took effect immediately, adding that passengers will also be prohibited from charging power banks during their flights.
According to the websites of Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost arm Scoot, power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries.
As at April 6, the websites said passengers can carry up to 20 of them if each does not exceed 100Wh. However, if they have a capacity of between 100Wh and 160Wh, then only two may be brought on board.
CAAS said it will work with airlines to roll out the new measures in a “smooth and orderly” manner, adding that the airlines will inform their respective passengers.
Information about the new restrictions will also be put up at various parts of Changi Airport to notify travellers of the new rules.
Although the cap on the number of power banks will apply for every passenger, the authority advised travellers to check with the respective airlines they are flying with for any specific restrictions that the airlines may have regarding power banks. - The Straits Times/ANN
