Regulations for Use of Power Banks during Flights on Airlines Departing From and Arriving at Changi Airport
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns regulations for power banks on flights at Changi Airport, with Ms Joan Pereira asking about usage restrictions and storage bans. Minister Chee Hong Tat stated that CAAS aligns with ICAO guidelines, prohibiting power banks in checked baggage and capping hand-carry items at 100 watt-hours without prior approval. Power banks between 100 and 160 watt-hours require airline permission, while those exceeding 160 watt-hours are prohibited, and usage is banned during critical flight phases. The Minister added that CAAS regularly reviews safety standards based on international developments and investigations into recent power bank incidents.
Transcript
24 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are Singapore's current regulations on power banks carried by passengers on airlines departing from and arriving at Changi Airport; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider restricting the use of power banks during flights and banning them from being stored in the overhead cabins
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has guidelines for all contracting states on the carriage of lithium batteries by passengers. In light of recent incidents, ICAO plans to discuss the issues relating to power banks soon.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore's (CAAS') safety regulations are aligned with ICAO's prevailing guidelines: (a) for checked baggage, power banks of any capacity are prohibited; (b) for hand-carry luggage, passengers are allowed to carry power banks of capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours; (c) passengers who wish to hand-carry power banks with a capacity exceeding 100 watt-hours, but not more than 160 watt-hours, must obtain approval from the airline before travel; (d) power banks with a capacity above 160 watt-hours are prohibited in hand carry luggage; and (e) the use of all power banks is also prohibited during critical flight phases including take-off, landing and taxiing.
CAAS regularly reviews and updates its regulations to ensure high safety standards. In doing so, CAAS takes into account international guidelines and latest developments related to the carriage and use of power banks in aircraft. This will include the outcome of safety investigations into recent incidents involving power banks in aircraft, which are still ongoing.