Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Regulations for Use of Power Banks During Flights on Airlines Departing from and Arriving at Changi Airport

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what are Singapore's current regulations on power banks carried by passengers on airlines departing from and arriving at Changi Airport; and 

b.     whether the Ministry will consider restricting the use of power banks during flights and banning them from being stored in the overhead cabins

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has guidelines for all Contracting States on the carriage of lithium batteries by passengers. In light of recent incidents, ICAO plans to discuss the issues relating to power banks soon.

2.     The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s (CAAS) safety regulations are aligned with ICAO’s prevailing guidelines.

a.     For checked baggage, power banks of any capacity are prohibited.

b.     For hand-carry luggage, passengers are allowed to carry power banks of capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours.

c.     Passengers who wish to hand-carry power banks with a capacity exceeding 100 watt-hours, but not more than 160 watt-hours, must obtain approval from the airline before travel.

d.     Power banks with a capacity above 160 watt-hours are prohibited in hand carry luggage.

e.     The use of all power banks is also prohibited during critical flight phases including take-off, landing, and taxiing.

3.     CAAS regularly reviews and updates its regulations to ensure high safety standards. In doing so, CAAS takes into account international guidelines, and latest developments related to the carriage and use of power banks in aircraft. This will include the outcome of safety investigations into recent incidents involving power banks in aircraft, which are still ongoing.