580,000 Brits to be affected by strict hand luggage rule at major airport

Singapore has introduced a new airport rule that will affect travellers around the world.

Authorities announced on Monday (6 April) a new rule limiting passengers to two power banks each on flights to reduce risks, with the change set to come into effect from next week (15 April).

From this date, those departing from Singapore who are carrying more than two of the handy portable devices will be required to dispose of the excess ones before the flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said in a statement that power banks must not be charged on board the aircraft, and passengers are also advised not to use them to charge their devices during their flight.

This has been a rule on all Singapore Airlines flights for a year now, after it banned the use of portable chargers during air travel in March 2025.

Singapore Changi Airport is a major international transport hub that sees hundreds of thousands of people pass through every single day.

A new power bank limit has been implemented on flights departing Singapore (Getty Stock Image)

This includes 580,000 Brits who visit Singapore each year, according to a 2025 report by Travel Weekly.

Mr Foong Ling Huei, Director of Flight Standards, CAAS, urged, “The new requirements will help reduce the risk of fire caused by power banks on board flights. We urge all passengers to familiarise themselves and comply with the new requirements, for their own safety and the safety of other passengers.”

The new CAAS press release outlines that the fresh power bank restrictions follow new global safety guidelines - specifically an addendum to the 'Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air' issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 2 April, to update safety requirements associated with the carriage and use of the devices on board aircraft.

Power banks must always be carried in hand luggage, never in your checked-in bag, as if it starts a fire, it's easier to extinguish in the cabin than in the hold.

This is because the lithium-ion batteries inside them can cause fires in aircraft and enclosed cabin spaces if they become damaged.

Several airlines have even banned power banks in overhead lockers, again, so a fire can quickly be dealt with if a battery overheats.

The new rule, which will come into force next week, follows fresh global safety guidelines (Getty Stock Image)

CAAS outlined that it is working with airlines and other aviation stakeholders 'to implement the new requirements in a smooth and orderly manner'.

It confirmed that it will inform their passengers of the new requirements and the new rules will be displayed at 'key touchpoints across the airport as a reminder to passengers'.

CAAS added: "Other existing requirements continue to apply, including the prohibition of power banks in check-in baggage, capacity limits, and the requirement for power banks to be individually protected to prevent short circuit (such as keeping them in protective pouches).

"As airlines may also have more restrictive policies on power banks, passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling."

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