More and more airlines are tightening regulations on the transport of electronic devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. While the airline first restricted powerbanks, the list now includes popular wireless headphones such as Apple AirPods. The reason for introducing the new rules is the risk of fire caused by the possible overheating or ignition of batteries during the flight. The airlines emphasize that these measures are intended to increase the safety of passengers and crew.
Ban on AirPods and other wireless headphones in checked baggage
The new rules introduced by EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair, which banned the placing of Bluetooth headphones in checked baggage. From now on, these devices can only be carried in hand luggage. The lines emphasize that the AirPods charging case works like a powerbank, which increases the risk of ignition, especially when the headphones are constantly charged in the middle of the case.
Similar rules were also introduced by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZCAA). According to its guidelines, wireless headphones – including AirPods – should be carried only in hand luggage, and their charging case is treated as a separate battery or powerbank. The NZCAA permits the carriage of up to 20 spare batteries or powerbanks per person, unless a particular airline has given its individual approval to a larger number of such devices.
Airline decisions to carry wireless headphones have been introduced due to several cases of fires on board airplanes caused by faulty or overheated powerbanks. One of the most serious incidents was a fire in the cargo hold of the Air Busan, which led to significant damage to the aircraft.
As a result of these events, many carriers, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Vietnam Airlines, introduced new restrictions on the use of powerbanks during the flight. In the case of the Emirates line, a total ban on the use of this type of equipment is in force as of October 1, 2025.
Recommendations from airlines
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other European agencies are informing and reminding all passengers that all devices with lithium-ion batteries should be carried in hand luggage and completely switched off during the flight. If the battery is removed, we must secure the contacts, e.g. seal them with tape or place them in a separate bag.
Which airlines banned
The list of carriers that have introduced a ban on carrying or using powerbanks includes, among others:
Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Air Busan, Hong Kong Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Tigerair, Vietjet Air.
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