ICAO Sets New Power Bank Rules for Airline Passengers

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has implemented new regulations regarding the transport of power banks on passenger aircraft, effective March 27, 2026. These rules, approved by the ICAO Council and impacting all 193 member states, amend the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284).

Under the updated guidelines, passengers are limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks, which must be kept in carry-on luggage and cannot be placed in checked baggage. Additionally, using power banks to recharge devices during flights is prohibited, and many airlines have further restricted their storage in overhead bins.

Power banks exceeding a capacity of 160Wh are generally banned from passenger aircraft. Crew members may carry power banks as needed for operational purposes.

The ICAO's Dangerous Goods Panel initiated this review to mitigate risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices, aligning with the organization's commitment to aviation safety and environmental goals.