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By Mihar Dias March 2025
It was only a matter of time before airlines took action, and now, with AirAsia among the latest carriers to ban power banks on flights, the question must be asked—should trains follow suit? https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/03/08/battery-low-thai-airways-airasia-ban-power-bank-charging-on-flights/168947
A recent incident in Singapore, where a woman narrowly escaped injury after her power bank caught fire on the MRT, is a grim reminder that these portable chargers, though convenient, pose a significant fire risk in enclosed spaces.
The Singapore incident occurred on the East-West MRT line during peak hours, when train operator SMRT had to deploy a fire extinguisher to put out the flames at Raffles Place station. Imagine if the fire had spread or caused panic in a crowded carriage. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but it raises serious safety concerns. https://newswav.com/A2503_dNX08Y?s=A_YSzTFCg&language=en
The Growing List of Power Bank Fires
This isn’t the first time a power bank has exploded or caught fire in transit. Across the world, there have been numerous reports of such incidents, often caused by overheating, substandard manufacturing, or overcharging. Airlines have long restricted or regulated the carriage of power banks due to the risk of thermal runaway—an uncontrollable increase in temperature that can lead to combustion.
In 2023, a passenger’s power bank caught fire on a Scoot flight from Taipei to Singapore, prompting an emergency response. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/two-injured-rechargeable-power-bank-catch-fire-scoot-flight-taipei-taiwan-singapore-tr993-3196486
More recently, Malaysian budget airline AirAsia implemented a blanket ban on power banks in checked luggage and further restrictions on carry-ons. https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/03/08/battery-low-thai-airways-airasia-ban-power-bank-charging-on-flights/168947
It’s not hard to see why. Unlike other electronic devices, power banks are high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, making them inherently more volatile.
Trains: The Next Target for Restrictions?
The Singapore MRT incident suggests that similar restrictions may soon extend beyond the skies to public transport systems.
Unlike airplanes, where crew members are trained to handle onboard fires, trains pose a different challenge. A sudden fire in a packed carriage can cause stampedes, smoke inhalation injuries, or even derailment if not quickly contained.
Some may argue that banning power banks altogether is excessive. After all, millions of commuters carry them daily without issue.
However, should we wait for a major disaster before acting? Perhaps the best solution is not a total ban but tighter regulations, including:
• Allowing only certified, high-quality power banks on public transport.
• Restricting battery capacity to safer limits.
• Requiring power banks to be stored in designated fireproof containers.
• Public awareness campaigns on proper usage and storage.
Convenience vs. Safety
Ultimately, the debate boils down to convenience versus safety. While banning power banks outright may inconvenience travellers, the potential consequences of an explosion in a crowded space are far worse. With airlines already leading the way, it may not be long before trains and even buses follow suit.
The Singapore MRT fire should serve as a wake-up call—our reliance on portable power must not come at the expense of public safety.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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