New power bank restrictions will safeguard international aviation

New power bank restrictions will safeguard international aviationToday’s decision from the International Civil Aviation Organization reflects emerging expertise around risks presented by passengers’ lithium batteriesNew lithium battery-powered power bank specifications from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today will enhance safety and peace of mind for passengers and airlines alike. Following the improvements agreed today, these devices will now be limited to two per passenger, and passengers will be prohibited from recharging them during flights. Importantly, crew will however be able to continue to carry and use these power banks in line with the operational requirements of the aircraft. The new specifications will address emerging risks and become effective on 27 March 2026.These improvements reflect ICAO's continuing commitment to enhancing aviation safety, in line with the Organization’s strategic vision of air transport for all by 2050, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions. In support of this vision, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel actively monitors emerging risks posed by dangerous goods and provides expert advice to ICAO’s standard-setting bodies. The independent technical experts of the ICAO Air Navigation Commission reviewed and endorsed the panel's recommendations to amend the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284) with some revisions, which have now been approved by the 36 States that form the ICAO Council. The addendum to the Technical Instructions will be provided to all 193 ICAO Member States.27 March 2026