China bans many power banks on flights amid safety concerns

WorldTechnology
1 Jul 2025 • 7:05 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • China's aviation regulator has banned passengers from carrying power banks without specific Chinese safety certification markings on flights.
  • The new rule also prohibits recalled gadgets and comes in response to a series of global incidents involving lithium battery products overheating on aircraft.
  • Notable incidents include a fire on an Air Busan plane, possibly caused by a spare power bank, and a Hong Kong Airlines flight forced to land due to an overhead compartment fire.
  • Lithium batteries in devices like power banks are a growing aviation safety concern, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reporting a significant increase in overheating incidents.
  • Airlines globally are tightening power bank regulations, with some banning their use on board or requiring them to be kept visible, complementing China's existing ban on in-flight charging since 2014.

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