Airlines Strengthen Power Bank Rules After Fire Incidents

‍FRANKFURT — Lufthansa (LH) strengthened its onboard power bank rules across its airline group after a series of lithium-ion battery incidents pushed regulators and carriers to reduce cabin fire risks.

Lufthansa said the revised policy took effect immediately and applied to all flights operated by the Lufthansa Group, including SWISS (LX), Austrian Airlines (OS), Eurowings (EW), Brussels Airlines (SN), Discover Airlines (4Y), Edelweiss (WK), and Air Dolomiti (EN).. The carrier now prohibits passengers from using power banks during flight or charging devices with them, and bans their storage in overhead bins.

Under the updated rules, travelers may carry a maximum of two power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours in cabin baggage. Batteries exceeding that limit require prior airline approval. Lufthansa said passengers must keep power banks on their person or stow them under the seat, where crew can quickly access the device if overheating occurs. Checked baggage restrictions remain unchanged, with power banks prohibited entirely.

The policy shift followed updated safety recommendations from European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which has urged airlines to limit in-flight use of lithium-ion devices and ensure early detection in the event of thermal runaway. Aviation authorities increasingly emphasize accessibility and visibility as key defenses against rapid fire escalation in the confined cabin environment.

Industry scrutiny intensified after a January 2025 fire aboard Air Busan (BX) destroyed an Airbus A321 on the ground in South Korea. Investigators concluded that a power bank stored in an overhead compartment ignited, engulfing the aircraft within minutes and injuring 27 people during evacuation. The incident renewed global concern about the hazards posed by damaged or improperly stored lithium-ion batteries.

While lithium-ion battery fires remain rare relative to overall flight volumes, their severity drives airline policy. Once thermal runaway begins, temperatures can exceed 500°C, producing dense smoke and self-sustaining combustion that challenges onboard firefighting equipment. For that reason, regulators prioritize prevention over response.

The move by Europe’s largest airline group follows several carriers in Asia and the Middle East already limiting power bank use, restricting quantities, or requiring advance approval for higher-capacity batteries. Regulators in multiple jurisdictions also review certification standards and passenger guidance to reduce risk exposure.