The rules on power banks just changed significantly following a late ICAO addendum published on 27 March 2026, with immediate implications for airlines, ground staff, and training providers.
While the IATA DGR 67th Edition already introduced several updates this year, this latest development puts a strong spotlight on lithium batteries, specifically, power banks.
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changed?
The ICAO addendum introduces new restrictions and clearer separation of power banks from spare batteries, reflecting growing safety concerns across the industry.
These changes apply immediately and will be formally incorporated into the 2027 (68th Edition) IATA DGR.
Why the Change? Increasing Safety Risks
Power banks are now recognised as a higher-risk item than previously treated.
- Increased reports of thermal runaway and onboard fire risks
- Growth in cheap, non-compliant manufacturers
- Concerns around lack of UN 38.3 testing compliance
- Emerging risks from wireless (induction) power banks
Key Changes for Passengers and Crew
The addendum introduces several important operational restrictions:
Maximum of Two Power Banks Per Person
Passengers and crew are now limited to 2 power banks per person.
This is now a hard limit, not guidance.
No Charging Power Banks Onboard
Power banks must not be recharged during flight.
This removes a key ignition risk during flight operations.
Restricted Use in Flight
Power banks should not be used to charge devices on board.
While currently a recommendation (not a strict prohibition), operators are expected to treat this seriously. Some operators have already implemented this as a mandatory rule.
Mandatory Protection Against Short Circuits
All power banks must:
- Be individually protected
- Prevent terminal contact (e.g. covers, cases, original packaging)
Must Be Carried in Cabin Only
No change here — but reinforced:
Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Not permitted in checked baggage
Note: It may take some time for operators to communicate the updated requirements to flight crew and ground handling teams.
Operator Responsibilities: What Airlines Must Do
Operators now have increased responsibility to manage this risk.
Key expectations include:
- Reviewing safety risk assessments
- Updating operations manuals and procedures
- Ensuring approved sourcing (UN 38.3 compliant batteries)
- Providing clear crew guidance and training
- Updating passenger communication and policies
Operators must also define how power banks are used for operational duties, such as:
- Electronic flight bags (EFBs)
- Cabin devices
- Payment systems onboard
Below is a video serving as reminder of the dangers of power banks from one of our Dangerous Goods training courses:
Dangerous Goods Training
We provide Dangerous Goods awareness training for a wide range of roles across the industry. Check out our distance learning courses here.
