By Ben Hurst,Liam Ryder

Copyright glasgowlive

Two more airlines have added themselves to an expanding roster of carriers banning the use of one widely-used device that millions of travellers depend upon during flights.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have both now introduced restrictions preventing passengers from utilising power banks to charge their electronic gadgets while in the cabin. This mirrors similar moves by several other airlines throughout the year, many of which serve routes to and from the UK.

The fresh rules stem from escalating concerns about lithium battery safety aboard aircraft. Only last week, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a revised warning after 50 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 new restrictions, holidaymakers will no longer be able to charge their devices using power banks during flights, nor can the battery packs be topped up via in-flight charging points, reports the Express. Passengers can still bring power banks into the cabin, but they must stay switched off and remain visible throughout the journey.

Air Busan became the first carrier to implement such restrictions following a power bank blaze in January that forced one of their planes out of operation. Whilst no travellers were injured, the incident resulted in substantial damage.

The most prominent airline implementing power bank restrictions is Emirates, the Dubai-based aviation giant. Management confirmed that a ban on using power banks will come into effect from 1st October 2025.

An Emirates representative explained 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.”

UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), along with other aviation regulators, recommends that lithium batteries and power banks should be kept in hand luggage and turned off entirely to reduce fire hazards.

Their rules state 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 specify: “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 devices containing lithium ion batteries that exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh and under 160 Wh should also be kept in carry-on baggage. The CAA additionally states: “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 rules brought in by airlines impact travellers departing from London airports including Heathrow, along with other key transport hubs like Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Complete list of all 14 airlines prohibiting power bank usage on aircraft.

Operating in the UK:

Asiana Airlines: London Heathrow Cathay Pacific: Heathrow, Manchester China Airlines: Heathrow Emirates: Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh 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.