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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Technology

Changi Airport Limits Power Banks to Two Per Passenger

From Tempo · (1d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Singapore's Changi Airport now limits passengers to two power banks per person, effective April 15, 2026.
  • The new regulation aligns with an International Civil Aviation Organization directive aimed at reducing fire risks from lithium batteries on aircraft.
  • Passengers exceeding the limit or carrying larger power banks must obtain airline approval or leave excess items behind.

Singapore, a global aviation hub, is taking proactive measures to enhance air travel safety by implementing stricter regulations on portable electronic devices. Effective April 15, 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has capped the number of power banks a passenger can carry to a maximum of two units. This move, applicable to all flights departing from or transiting through Singapore's Changi Airport, underscores the nation's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

The decision stems from a recent directive by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on April 2, 2026, which identified the potential fire hazard posed by lithium batteries in power banks. These batteries are known to be susceptible to overheating and short circuits, creating a significant risk if a fire were to break out in the confined space of an aircraft cabin. By limiting the number of devices per passenger, Singapore aims to mitigate this risk effectively.

This regulation not only affects carry-on baggage but also influences device usage during flights. Passengers are advised against charging their devices using in-flight power outlets and, in line with existing policies by Singaporean carriers like Singapore Airlines and Scoot, are discouraged from charging their phones with power banks mid-flight. These measures reflect a growing global awareness and a concerted effort within the aviation industry to address the unique safety challenges presented by modern electronic devices.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.