Power banks with over 160Wh capacity banned on flights –CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a reminder to travelers that power banks over 160 watt-hours (Wh) are banned on flights.

This comes in response to recent aircraft fires, which were believed to be linked to overheating lithium-ion batteries inside a power bank.

Under the International Aviation Standard, power banks with less that 100Wh capacity are allowed on airplanes, and the CAAP applies the same rule. Meanwhile, those between 100Wh and 160Wh will be needing approval from the airline.

For reference, a 160Wh power bank that operates at 3.7 volts (V) is equivalent to about 43,000 milliampere-hours (mAh). With the same voltage, a 100Wh power bank is equivalent to around 27,000mAh.

Additionally, power banks must be packed in hand-carry luggage, not in checked bags.

This move follows stricter rules adopted by international carriers after a fire on an Air Busan flight in January, which authorities say was caused by a power bank.

Since March 1, South Korean airlines have also banned power banks and e-cigarettes from overhead bins, though passengers can still carry them on their person.

The CAAP is urging passengers to check the specifications of their power banks and follow safety regulations to help prevent accidents.