Turkey has become the latest country to tighten regulations on power banks aboard aircraft, following a global update from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) last month. The move reflects a growing trend among airlines and national aviation authorities to curb the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in the confined environment of an aeroplane.
The Turkish General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) announced this week that it would align its rules with ICAO's revised specifications. Under the new guidelines, passengers are limited to carrying two power banks, and recharging them—either via in-seat power outlets or other onboard sources—is prohibited. The restrictions apply to all flights departing from or arriving in Turkey.
Why Power Banks Are Under Scrutiny
Lithium-ion batteries, which power most portable chargers, are known to be volatile. When damaged, faulty, or exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure changes—common during flights—they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. While incidents remain rare, they have prompted a reassessment of safety protocols across the industry.
“The main issue with power banks is the lithium-ion batteries they contain, which, if damaged or faulty, can pose a fire hazard,” says travel consultant Colin Pearson, who works with the boutique hotel Stanton House Inn. “A malfunctioning power bank can overheat, catch fire, or even explode, which is particularly dangerous in the confined space of an aircraft.”
The ICAO amendment, issued on 27 March, recommends limiting the number of power banks per passenger to two and banning their use during flight. It also reiterates existing rules that power banks and other loose lithium batteries must be carried in cabin baggage only—never in checked luggage.
Airlines Across Europe Tighten Policies
Several major carriers have already moved ahead of the ICAO update. In January, the Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, and SWISS—introduced its own restrictions: passengers may carry a limited number of power banks, but cannot use them on board. The group also requires that power banks be stored in the seat pocket, under the seat, or on the passenger's person, rather than in overhead lockers.
Other airlines, including Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, have similarly banned in-flight use and charging of power banks. While policies vary slightly, most now enforce limits on larger-capacity devices or reduce the number permitted per traveller.
“It's no longer merely a matter of inconvenience. The safety of all passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft is the primary concern, and even a single incident can have far-reaching consequences,” Pearson adds.
What Travellers Need to Know
For passengers flying through Europe, the rules are broadly consistent but worth checking with each airline. In general, power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) can be carried without prior approval. Those between 100 and 160 Wh usually require airline permission, and devices above 160 Wh are banned outright.
Power banks must always be packed in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. Some airlines also require that they remain with the passenger at their seat rather than in overhead compartments. With in-flight charging now prohibited on many carriers, Pearson advises travellers to charge devices before departure or use airport charging stations.
“A little extra preparation can go a long way,” he says. “This ban on power banks is just another step toward ensuring safer, more secure flights for everyone.”
The tightening of rules comes amid broader concerns about aviation safety and battery technology. For European travellers, the changes are a reminder to stay informed about evolving regulations, especially when flying with multiple carriers or through hubs like Istanbul Airport, which handled over 76 million passengers last year.
As European airlines continue to grapple with rising operational costs—including jet fuel prices that have forced some to ground flights—safety remains a top priority. The new power bank rules are a relatively small but significant adjustment in an industry that cannot afford to take risks.
