ICAO Issues Updated Lithium Battery-powered Power Bank Restrictions

‍MONTREAL — The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has revised restrictions regarding the carriage of power banks on aircraft.

According to the new ruling, these devices will be limited to two per passenger. Furthermore, passengers will be prohibited from recharging them during flights. Crew can, however, continue to carry and use power banks in line with aircraft operational requirements.

The new specifications for lithium battery-powered power banks came into effect on March 27, 2026. The update reflects emerging expertise on the risks posed by lithium batteries carried on flights.

According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passengers usually carry 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh lithium-ion power banks onboard, often from brands like Anker, INIU, or Blavor. These compact, TSA-approved devices must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh) and carried in carry-on bags, not checked luggage.

Common types include magnetic wireless chargers, USB-C PD portable chargers, and solar power banks.

Improving aviation safety

The move reflect ICAO's "commitment to enhancing aviation safety," in line with the Organization’s strategic vision of air transport for all by 2050, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions.

In support of this vision, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel actively monitors emerging risks posed by dangerous goods and provides expert advice to ICAO’s standard-setting bodies.

Further, the independent technical experts of the ICAO Air Navigation Commission reviewed and endorsed the panel's recommendations to amend the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284) with some revisions, which have now been approved by the 36 States that form the ICAO Council.

The addendum to the Technical Instructions will be provided to all 193 ICAO Member States.