Passengers flying out of Singapore will soon face tighter restrictions on the number of power banks they can bring aboard, following new international aviation safety guidelines set to take effect later this month. The change, which comes into force on 15 April, limits every traveller to a maximum of two power banks in their carry-on luggage — regardless of capacity.
The new rule stems from updated regulations introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which announced the measures on 27 March, stating they were effective immediately. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) confirmed on 6 April that the restrictions would be enforced at Singapore’s airports from 15 April onwards, giving travellers a short window to prepare.
Any passenger found carrying more than two power banks at the point of boarding will be required to discard the excess devices before they are permitted to board their flight. There will be no option to check them into hold luggage, as lithium battery-powered devices of this nature are already prohibited from being stored in checked baggage.
Why Are the New Rules Being Introduced?
The ICAO’s decision to tighten power bank regulations is driven by growing concerns over fire safety on commercial aircraft. Lithium batteries — the technology that powers virtually all portable charging devices — carry an inherent risk of overheating or short-circuiting, both of which can trigger fires in an enclosed cabin environment.
The international aviation body stated that the updated safety requirements were designed to reduce fire risks whilst still accommodating the practical needs of modern travellers, who increasingly rely on portable charging solutions to keep their devices powered during long-haul journeys.
The restrictions cover all rechargeable battery packs, including standard power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh), as well as higher-capacity models between 100Wh and 160Wh, which already require prior airline approval before being carried on board.
Singapore Airlines and Scoot Already Ahead of the Curve
The new ICAO rules align with measures that Singapore’s own carriers had already begun implementing. Since 1 April 2025, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget subsidiary Scoot have prohibited passengers from using or charging power banks during flights. This policy was introduced in response to a series of in-flight fire incidents reported on other carriers, including Batik Air and Air Busan.
Under the previous rules applied by SIA and Scoot, passengers were technically permitted to carry up to 20 power banks on board, provided each unit did not exceed 100Wh in capacity. For higher-capacity devices in the 100Wh to 160Wh range, the existing limit was already capped at two. The new ICAO regulations now bring the universal limit in line with the stricter threshold, applying a maximum of two devices per passenger across the board.
What Travellers Need to Know Before Their Next Flight
CAAS has confirmed it will coordinate with airlines to ensure the transition to the new rules is handled in a smooth and orderly fashion. Airlines will be responsible for communicating the changes directly to their passengers ahead of departure. Additionally, notices will be displayed at various points throughout Changi Airport to remind travellers of the updated restrictions before they reach boarding gates.
Whilst the two power bank limit will apply universally to all passengers departing Singapore, CAAS has advised travellers to check directly with their respective airlines, as individual carriers may have additional or more specific restrictions in place beyond the baseline ICAO requirements.
The new regulations also introduce a prohibition on charging power banks during flights — an activity that, combined with the thermal conditions of a pressurised cabin, heightens the risk of battery-related incidents. Travellers accustomed to topping up their devices mid-flight should plan accordingly and ensure their power banks are fully charged before boarding.
For frequent flyers and tech-reliant travellers, the message is clear: consolidate, plan ahead, and leave the extras at home.