EVA Air has announced a revision to its inflight power bank policy, prohibiting the use and charging of portable batteries during flights effective March 1, 2025. The new regulation comes amid growing safety concerns across Asian carriers regarding lithium battery devices.
The Taiwanese airline’s policy change follows similar restrictions implemented by Korean airlines after a January fire incident aboard an Air Busan aircraft that authorities suspect may have been caused by a power bank stored in an overhead compartment.
Under EVA Air’s updated guidelines, passengers must fully charge their electronic devices before boarding as power banks cannot be used at any point during flights. The airline reminds travelers that most of its aircraft seats are equipped with AC power outlets and USB Type-A ports for charging personal devices.
The carrier emphasized that power banks and spare lithium batteries remain prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in hand luggage where they can be properly stored to prevent compression or damage.
This policy shift aligns with regulatory changes across the region. Earlier in February, the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport introduced stricter regulations prohibiting power banks and e-cigarettes from overhead bins on Korean-owned airlines, also effective March 1.
The Korean regulations additionally require passengers to cover power bank ports with insulation tape or carry them in transparent plastic bags or protective pouches. Korean passengers must keep these devices either on their person or within sight throughout flights.
While EVA Air has not specified similar storage requirements beyond prohibiting in-flight use, the broader industry trend reflects heightened vigilance regarding lithium battery safety in aviation.
Lithium battery fires is said to be particularly challenging to extinguish in the confined space of an aircraft cabin, prompting airlines and regulators to implement preventative measures.
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