Singapore is tightening flight safety rules. Starting April 15, passengers leaving from Singapore airports will only be allowed to bring a maximum of two portable power banks in their carry‑on bags when boarding flights. Travelers found with more than two power banks will be asked to dispose of the extras before boarding their plane. This bold move aims to strengthen in‑flight safety and reduce the risk of battery‑related fires in the air.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has also made it clear that power banks must not be charged during the flight and should not be used to charge other devices while onboard. These changes reflect growing global concerns about lithium‑battery safety and come as airlines and regulators tighten rules worldwide.
New Rule Takes Effect From April 15 and Applies to All Departing Flights
From 12:01 am on April 15, every passenger flying out of Singapore will be restricted to carrying no more than two power banks in their hand luggage. Anyone with three or more power banks may be required to throw the excess away before they can proceed to board.
This measure is part of updated safety standards issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, which updated its guidelines for transporting and using lithium‑battery devices earlier this month. The ICAO ruling was adopted globally, and Singapore’s aviation authority says it will enforce the new limits to ensure passenger safety and smoother operations at airports.
Airport officials are also preparing to communicate these changes clearly to travelers. Digital screens, announcement boards, and airline check‑in counters at Changi Airport will display reminders about the two‑power‑bank limit to reduce confusion on the ground.
Why the Change and What It Means for Travelers
The reason behind this new rule is safety. Power banks contain lithium‑ion batteries, which can overheat or short‑circuit under certain conditions. In rare but serious cases, this can lead to in‑flight fires if not properly managed. ICAO and aviation safety experts believe limiting the number of portable chargers will significantly reduce the chances of such incidents happening on commercial flights.
Previously, passengers flying from Singapore had more leeway. Under older rules, it was common for travelers to bring multiple power banks, especially if they had long‑haul flights or needed extra charging capacity for laptops, cameras, and smartphones. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines and its budget arm Scoot had already banned the use or charging of power banks once in flight since April 2025, even before this new number limit was imposed.
Now, even the presence of more than two power banks in carry‑on baggage will draw attention. While most mainstream devices like phones and tablets are allowed on board, a stack of high‑capacity chargers can raise red flags for security staff concerned about thermal risks.
What Travelers Should Know Before They Fly
Here are some key points that every departing passenger should be aware of under the new policy:
• Only up to two power banks per passenger are allowed in carry‑on luggage.
• Any extra power banks must be discarded before boarding.
• Charging power banks on the aircraft is strictly prohibited.
• Airlines may have stricter limits or different rules, so passengers should check with their airline before travel.
This rule also applies regardless of the power bank’s capacity, whether it is a small 10,000 mAh unit or a larger one rated up to 160 watt‑hours. All rechargeable battery packs fall under the new limit.
For many travelers, this means packing smart and deciding ahead of time which power banks are absolutely needed. Those who had planned to bring multiple spare chargers for longer trips will need to adjust their habits or risk losing devices before departure.
Global Trend: Stricter Rules On Lithium Batteries in Aviation
Singapore’s new rule is part of a larger worldwide shift toward tougher rules on portable batteries. Aviation authorities in other countries, and many international airlines, have been tightening their own restrictions in recent years. In South Korea, airlines now require spare batteries to be easily accessible and not stored in overhead bins. In the Middle East and other parts of Asia, carriers have banned or restricted the use of power banks and other lithium‑ion devices during flights.
These global changes reflect the fact that lithium‑ion batteries pose unique risks in enclosed flying environments. Unlike traditional disposable batteries, lithium units store significant power and can generate heat rapidly if damaged or defective. The international aviation community is now working to reduce risks while still accommodating the modern tech needs of travelers.
Practical Tips for Passengers
To avoid inconvenience or unexpected disposal of devices at the airport, passengers should do the following before heading to the airport:
• Count your power banks carefully and pack no more than two.
• Check airline policies in advance, as some carriers may have additional requirements.
• Keep power banks in carry‑on bags only and not in checked luggage, as required by safety rules.
• Fully charge devices before boarding, since in‑flight charging is no longer allowed.
Being prepared will save time at security lanes and reduce stress before boarding. Airports will also be displaying signs and reminders to help passengers comply, but it is always best to be aware in advance.
Singapore’s new power bank limit shows how aviation safety continues to evolve with technology. While some travelers may find the rule inconvenient, the goal is to protect passengers and crew from rare but serious fire risks associated with lithium batteries.
