UK Civil Aviation Authority Tightens Power Bank Flight Regulations

The UK Civil Aviation Authority implemented new safety regulations for the summer 2026 travel season to mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, a process where lithium batteries overheat and emit hazardous fumes. The rules mandate that power banks be carried exclusively in hand luggage and individually protected to prevent short circuits. Passengers are now prohibited from recharging power banks on board or using them to charge other devices during flights.

Industry compliance varies by carrier. Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI enforce cabin-only restrictions and a general capacity limit of 100Wh. In contrast, Emirates, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietjet Air have banned power banks entirely.

The regulatory urgency follows a recent safety breach where an easyJet flight was diverted to Rome after a passenger placed a charging power bank in checked luggage. Jonathan Nicholson, representing the regulator, urged passengers to comply with these restrictions, while the authority noted that "more awareness was needed" regarding battery safety.