In today’s hyper-connected world, the airport experience has evolved from a mere transit point to a digital hub where travellers rely heavily on their electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches have become indispensable companions, serving as boarding pass holders, entertainment centers, navigation tools, and communication lifelines. Amid this digital dependency, power banks come to mind as a travel accessory.
Power banks — portable battery packs designed to recharge electronic devices — have transformed the way travellers navigate airports. Long layovers, delayed flights, and crowded terminals often mean limited access to power outlets. Even in airports equipped with charging stations, competition for a plug can be fierce. A power bank offers autonomy, allowing passengers to recharge their devices without being tethered to a wall or forced to hover near a charging kiosk. This freedom enhances mobility, reduces stress, and ensures that travellers stay connected when it matters most.
The importance of power banks becomes especially apparent during international travel. Navigating unfamiliar terminals, translating signs, or accessing digital boarding passes requires a fully charged device. For business travellers, the ability to respond to emails or join virtual meetings while waiting for a flight is crucial. For leisure travellers, capturing memories, streaming entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones depends on battery life. A drained phone can mean missed updates, lost directions, or even an inability to board a flight. In this context, a power bank is not just a convenience — it’s a safeguard against disruption.
However, the integration of power banks into the airport experience is not without its challenges. Security regulations have tightened around lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks. Most airlines and aviation authorities require that power banks be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage, due to fire risk. Additionally, there are restrictions on capacity — typically measured in watt-hours (Wh) — with larger power banks requiring airline approval. Travellers must be aware of these rules to avoid confiscation or delays at security checkpoints.
Airlines are tightening rules on power banks due to concerns over lithium-ion battery safety. These batteries can overheat, ignite, or explode if damaged, defective, or improperly used, posing significant risks in-flight. Recent reports state that power banks cannot be used on Emirates flights from October 1, the Dubai airline has confirmed.
In giving further explanation, the report pointed out that the batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution. The ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges.
“If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway’,” according to Emirates, says the report. Further, it pointed out that: “Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase.
“This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases.”
In another report recently, a high-capacity power bank exploded at Roxas Airport in Capiz province, prompting renewed warnings on the dangers of carrying oversized lithium-ion batteries aboard aircraft.
Fortunately, no injuries or major damage were reported, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
The report said that in a statement, CAAP said the incident occurred during routine screening of a Manila-bound passenger’s baggage. Security personnel flagged the item — a 72,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) power bank — after determining that it exceeded aviation safety limits.
Airlines and aviation regulators typically cap allowable power banks at 160 watt-hours (Wh) for carry-on, a standard set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
A further check on the internet revealed that international aviation guidelines generally allow passengers to carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) in their carry-on luggage without restrictions. For power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, airline approval is required before boarding. Power banks exceeding 160 Wh are typically not permitted on flights at all.
It is advised to always check with your specific airline, as policies may vary slightly.
Ekelem Airhihen, an accredited mediator, has an MBA from the Lagos Business School. He is a member, ACI Airport Non-aeronautical Revenue Activities Committee; his interests are in market research, customer experience and performance measurement, negotiation, strategy and data and business analytics. He can be reached on ekyair@yahoo.com and +2348023125396 (WhatsApp only).
