By Laura Zilincanova,Liam Ryder

Copyright dailyrecord

Two more airlines have added their names to an expanding list of carriers banning the use of one widespread device that millions of passengers depend upon whilst flying. Both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have both now introduced restrictions preventing travellers from utilising power banks to juice up their electronic gadgets during flights – meaning there are now 14 airlines that do so. This mirrors similar steps taken by some other airlines across the year, with many serving routes to and from the UK – including one that serves Scotland. Emirates, a carrier serving Edinburgh and Glasglow airports, is among those that have taken the measures against using power banks and similar lithium battery devices. Last week, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a revised warning after 50 separate incidents involving power banks on planes. They stated: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers. Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.” Under these updated restrictions, holidaymakers will no longer be able to charge their devices using power banks whilst airborne, nor can the battery units be topped up via in-flight sockets, according to the Express . Passengers may still bring power banks into the cabin, though they must stay switched off and remain in plain sight throughout. Air Busan, a South Korean airline, became the first to implement the restrictions following a power bank blaze in January that forced one of their planes out of operation. Thankfully, passengers escaped injury, but the episode resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The most prominent carrier on the roster of airlines prohibiting power bank usage is Emirates . Management at the Middle Eastern airline revealed that restrictions on power banks would come into effect from October 1, 2025. An Emirates representative confirmed that “Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions” but made clear that “the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source.” The representative continued: “After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. “All power banks are subject to the new rules onboard Emirates. Emirates new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft. “Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire. Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices.” The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), working alongside other aviation regulators, recommends that lithium batteries and power banks should be transported in hand luggage and turned off entirely to reduce fire hazards. Their regulations specify that the heat-producing component of a lithium battery-powered device should be “separated” from the battery – meaning the battery or heat-producing element should be removed. The guidelines state: “Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit (by placing in its original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate bag or protective pouch).” Portable electronic gadgets containing lithium ion batteries that surpass a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh and below 160 Wh should also be kept in carry-on baggage. The CAA further recommends: “If devices are carried in checked baggage measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation and to protect from damage and the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode). “Large portable electronic devices such as laptops and tablets should not be packed near aerosols or perfumes.” The fresh restrictions brought in by airlines impact travellers departing from London airports including Heathrow, alongside other major transport hubs like Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Operating in Scotland: Emirates: Edinburgh , Glasgow , London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle Operating in the UK: Asiana Airlines: Heathrow Cathay Pacific: Heathrow, Manchester China Airlines: Heathrow EVA Air: Heathrow Korean Air: Heathrow Singapore Airlines : Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester. Starlux Airlines: Gatwick Vietnam Airlines: Heathrow Not serving UK airports: Air Busan Hong Kong Airlines Thai AirAsia Tigerair Vietjet Air