Low-cost carrier AirAsia said it will strictly enforce new guidelines by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the use of power banks during flights.
The airline said CAAP is prohibiting the use of power banks due to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Under CAAP’s Advisory Circular No. 18-005, power banks exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) are not allowed on flights.
Power banks up to 100Wh will be allowed without prior approval, while those 100Wh and 160Wh need permission from airlines.
According to CAAP, passengers may carry their power banks only in their hand-carry luggage.
AirAsia announced that they will allow the carriage of not more than two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh.
It added that power banks must not be stored in overhead compartments and should instead be kept with guests’ personal belongings under the seat or in the seat pocket in front of them.
“While we understand that power banks are now part of travel essentials for our guests, safety always comes first at AirAsia,” said AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan in a statement.
“We highly encourage our guests to charge their electronic devices prior to boarding and ensure maximum compliance that is enforced by our highly trained on ground and inflight crew,” he added.
The carrier said it will remind passengers of its new policy before boarding.
Those found using power banks onboard will receive a warning. If non-compliance persists, the device will be confiscated and returned upon landing.
Airlines have implemented stricter policies after a power bank reportedly caused a fire that engulfed and destroyed an aircraft of South Korean airline Air Busan in January.
Early this month, passengers on South Korean airlines have been required to carry their power banks and other portable electronic devices within arm’s reach instead of storing them in overhead bins.