Thai Airways International announced a ban on the use of power banks during flights, effective March 15. This decision aligns with increasing safety measures from various airlines regarding the risks associated with lithium batteries found in portable charging devices.

In a formal statement, the airline emphasized that passengers will not be permitted to use or charge power banks while on board.

However, travelers may still carry power banks in their hand luggage.

This policy arrives in the wake of recent incidents involving lithium batteries.

A notable case involved Air Busan, which implemented its own restrictions after a power bank was suspected of causing a fire on an Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea.

The incident, which occurred on January 28, resulted in injuries to seven individuals and prompted the South Korean carrier to prohibit power banks from overhead bins as a precautionary measure.

Air Busan classified this move as a pre-emptive action to enhance passenger safety.

The South Korean airline has also stated that all carry-on luggage will undergo inspection at boarding gates, and only bags without power banks will be tagged for placement in overhead storage compartments.

This approach is intended to allow for the rapid identification and response to any potential hazards posed by overheating devices.