Macau International Airport (MIA) has outlined its latest regulations on in-flight power bank usage, noting that “most airlines” flying through the airport will be implementing new restrictions on these devices by next month.
In a statement issued yesterday, MIA said that carriers serving the airport had “been gradually revising and implementing” their individual guidelines for carrying and using portable battery packs on board, in order “to ensure aviation safety.”
The airport’s operator reminded passengers that it now requires them to store their portable chargers in their carry-on bags. Placing the devices in checked-luggage or in an overhead compartment is no longer permitted.
During flights, passengers are also no longer allowed to use their power banks, with the airport pointing out that regular flight operations could be disrupted if such devices are misused.
As well, the current regulations allow staff members to confiscate and dispose of a power bank if it is found to be defective, ruptured or missing the necessary labelling during security checks.
[See more: Zhuhai Airport will be adding nine new domestic flights from the end of this month]
MIA’s announcement comes in the wake of a number of flight emergencies involving fires on planes from power bank explosions.
Last Thursday, Hong Kong Airlines Flight HX115 from Hangzhou to Hong Kong had to be rerouted to Fuzhou due to a fire in an overhead compartment, which was reportedly caused by a portable charger.
Another notable accident occurred on 28 January when an Air Busan aircraft due to fly from Busan to Hong Kong was destroyed in a blaze that investigators said may have been the result of the deterioration in a power bank’s insulation. Fortunately, only three people sustained minor injuries in the incident.
In order to reduce the risk of such incidents reoccurring, various airlines, including Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Eva Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, have tightened their power bank usage rules in recent months.
On Monday, Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department issued an announcement that it would require local airlines to place further restrictions on the carriage and usage of power banks, in order to boost “aviation safety.”
