Airlines Tighten In-Flight Power Bank Regulations in Malaysia

Okay, we've probably seen a good amount of articles online about the latest sweeping changes to using your power banks in-flight. So what has happened exactly?

A recent fire incident aboard a Batik Air Malaysia flight has renewed global concerns about the safety risks posed by power banks during air travel. Check out this article by Straits Times here.

Image from Straits Times article

The incident, which occurred in March 2025 on a domestic flight within Malaysia, saw a passenger’s power bank catch fire mid-air, prompting an emergency response from the cabin crew. Thankfully, the situation was swiftly contained with no injuries reported. However, the scare was enough to push several airlines—both local and regional—to tighten regulations around the carriage and usage of power banks onboard.

In response to recent safety concerns, several airlines have updated their policies regarding the carriage and usage of power banks during flights.

I've outlined the latest regulations implemented by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways International, as these are some of the most frequently covered airlines on my blog.

Malaysia Airlines

Effective April 1, 2025, Malaysia Airlines mandates that passengers carry power banks on their person throughout the flight, prohibiting storage in overhead compartments.

Charging or using power banks during the flight is strictly forbidden, including during taxi, take-off, and landing phases. Additionally, magnetic wireless power banks must be kept in a separate bag to mitigate potential risks.   

Batik Air Malaysia

Batik Air has updated its policy to allow passengers to carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). These power banks must be kept on the passenger’s person at all times and are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. The use of power banks inside the cabin is also strictly prohibited.   

AirAsia

AirAsia has prohibited the use and charging of power banks during flights, effective March 15, 2025. Passengers are still permitted to carry power banks in their hand luggage but must refrain from using them onboard. This measure aligns with the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.    

Singapore Airlines

Starting April 1, 2025, Singapore Airlines will implement a ban on charging portable power banks via onboard USB ports or using power banks to charge personal devices during flights. Passengers are advised to utilize the in-seat power outlets provided for device charging needs.   

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific permits passengers to carry and use power banks in the cabin, provided they do not exceed 160Wh. However, recharging power banks using in-seat power outlets or USB ports is strictly prohibited. Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must be carried in carry-on baggage and are not allowed in checked luggage.    

Thai Airways International

Effective March 15, 2025, Thai Airways has banned the use and charging of power banks during flights. Passengers may still carry power banks in their hand luggage but are prohibited from using them onboard. This policy aims to enhance in-flight safety by mitigating potential fire hazards associated with lithium batteries.   

Final Thoughts

Well, to put it simply, if you need to charge the devices, I'd say its much safer to use the charging ports on board (unless you're flying Malaysia Airlines in Economy) or the USB-A charging ports, which most-if not all airlines already have.

I personally haven't found myself using any charging facilities, whether in-flight or via my power bank since phones these days have some pretty good battery life!