Manila: Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary, Scoot, are set to implement a ban on the use and charging of power banks during flights starting April 1.

According to Philippines News Agency, this decision aligns with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which classify power banks as lithium batteries. Passengers will be restricted from charging these devices through onboard USB ports or using them to power other portable devices during flights.

Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage on all Singapore Airlines flights, as they are not permitted in checked baggage. The advisories from the airlines specify that customers can bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those with capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh will require airline approval.

Thailand's national carrier, Thai Airways, announced a similar ban effective March 15, citing passenger and crew safety as the primary reason for the measure. The airline's website emphasizes the goal of ensuring the highest level of safety for everyone on board.

This move follows earlier actions by Korean-owned airlines, which banned power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead bins starting March 1. Likewise, Eva Air has prohibited the inflight use and charging of power banks since the same date.

The industry-wide crackdown on power bank usage during flights was triggered by an incident in January when a fire broke out in the overhead compartment of a Hong Kong-bound Air Busan plane. The fire suggested that an electronic device or power bank might have been the cause, prompting airlines to take precautions to prevent similar occurrences.