MANILA, Philippines, March 7 ------ All power banks exceeding 160 watt-hours are strictly prohibited on both international and domestic flights, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced. CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the agency’s flight operations officials are coordinating with local and foreign airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other major airports nationwide to regulate the use of power banks.
These devices, classified as portable lithium-ion battery packs, are being scrutinized following an incident last Feb. 28 in which an Air Busan aircraft caught fire at Gimhae International Airport, reportedly due to an overheating power bank inside a carry-on bag. James Conner, head of CAAP’s flight operations department, addressed concerns in a radio interview on Tuesday morning regarding recent aviation incidents in which power banks were suspected of causing onboard fires. Conner clarified that power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh may be brought onboard without prior approval. However, those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval, while power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on aircraft.
CAAP strongly urges travelers to check the capacity of their power banks and comply with airline policies to avoid inconvenience during their flights. The agency is also working closely with airlines to develop awareness policies and guidelines aimed at educating passengers on the proper handling of hazardous materials during air travel. This initiative seeks to enhance information dissemination and ensure travelers are well-informed about regulations concerning power banks and other potentially dangerous items.
Source: philstar.com
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