A Nigerian flight attendant has taken to TikTok to explain a new rule regarding power banks during air travel, sparking widespread discussion online. The video, posted under the handle @Sky_diva, addresses a directive from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) aimed at enhancing passenger safety.
New NCAA Directive on Power Banks
In the viral clip, the flight attendant outlines that the NCAA now requires all passengers to keep their power banks in their hands while at the departure lounge and immediately after boarding. The devices must remain disconnected from phones at all times during this period. She emphasizes that power banks should not be placed in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or handbags. Instead, they must be held directly in the hand to ensure visibility and quick access in case of a fire outbreak.
Safety Measures Explained
The attendant stresses that the rule is a precautionary response to recent incidents involving lithium battery devices on aircraft. By keeping power banks in hand, cabin crew can respond swiftly if an emergency occurs. She urges all passengers to cooperate with airline staff and follow the procedure without exception.
In her words: "Flying with a power bank? Here is the new rule. Just a quick safety update. If you are current on aviation news, recently there is a whole lot going on board the aircraft with power banks. So the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has made it mandatory that if you are flying as a passenger you can use your power bank anywhere around the departure lounge or as soon as you are boarding the aircraft. Please you need to hold your power bank in your hands disconnected from the phone. Do not check it in. Do not put it in your carrier luggage or in your handbag. Just hold it in your hands, okay. Where it will be possible, do not put it in a discrete place so that in case it's a fire outbreak it can easily be extinguished. Okay, so we ask all passengers to please do cooperate with all airlines."
Public Reactions to the Rule
The video quickly circulated on TikTok, drawing reactions from netizens. Many expressed support, while others sought clarification. @Bliss asked about flying while pregnant or with a newborn. @Silver Victor shared frustration about the rule on a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt, noting the inconvenience of holding a heavy power bank. @Efemena mentioned being told to unplug power banks three years ago, indicating the practice is not entirely new. @ODC recounted a strange experience where his power bank stopped working during a flight and resumed after landing.
Related Incidents
Previously, a flight attendant commented on the Ibom Air and Comfort Emmanson saga, highlighting the need for patience when handling difficult passengers.
