New power bank and charger rules for UK flyers
Key Points
- ICAO addendum issued 27 March 2026 sets new global power bank rules across 193 member states, including the UK.
- UK flyers are limited to two power banks per person, carry-on only, never in checked luggage.
- Recharging a power bank on board is now explicitly banned; using one to charge other devices in flight is strongly discouraged.
- Capacity limits: under 100 Wh permitted; 100 Wh to 160 Wh needs airline approval; over 160 Wh banned outright.
- An EasyJet flight from Hurghada to Luton diverted to Rome in May 2026 after a power bank was found charging a device in the hold, illustrating the risk the rules target.
UK air passengers face new global limits on power banks, including a ban on charging them mid-flight and a cap of two devices per person.
The rules come from an addendum to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, issued at the end of March.
ICAO’s standards apply across its 193 member states, including the UK, and airlines have spent the weeks since updating crew manuals, security procedures and pre-boarding announcements.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a summary aligning national requirements with the new global baseline and instructed carriers to reflect the changes in their operating procedures.
In one case last week, an EasyJet flight from Hurghada to Luton diverted to Rome after a passenger reported a power bank charging a device inside a bag stowed in the hold.
The captain ordered the diversion as a precaution because lithium-ion battery fires in inaccessible cargo holds are extremely difficult to suppress mid-flight.
No fire occurred, the bag was checked on the ground, and the flight continued to Luton the following morning after an overnight delay.
Passengers are now limited to two power banks each, both of which must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked into the hold. Recharging a power bank on board is explicitly prohibited under the new rules, and using one to charge another device in flight is strongly discouraged.
Each unit must be individually protected against short circuits, either in original packaging or with insulated terminals to stop loose contacts touching keys, coins or other metal items.
Capacity remains tied to watt-hour ratings. Most standard consumer power banks fall under the 100 Wh threshold and are permitted without additional approval.
Units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require explicit airline sign-off before travel, and anything above 160 Wh is banned outright from passenger flights. All units must meet UN 38.3 testing standards, which manufacturers typically print on the device casing itself.
Crew members retain limited exemptions for operational use, subject to conditions set by each airline.
The International Air Transport Association has issued its own guidance reinforcing the passenger limits and the no-recharge rule for operators rolling out the new procedures.
Individual carriers may also apply stricter rules on top of the ICAO baseline, so passengers should confirm specific policies with their airline before travelling.
