The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has implemented new power bank regulations for air passengers, effective March 27, 2026, impacting travelers on all 193 member state airlines. The rules, which amend the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284), were approved by the 36-nation ICAO Council following a review by the Air Navigation Commission.
Key Restrictions: Two Power Banks, Carry-On Only
Under the updated guidelines, passengers are permitted to carry a maximum of two power banks per person. All power banks must be kept in carry-on baggage and cannot be packed in checked luggage under any circumstances. Using power banks to recharge other devices during a flight is also prohibited.
Additionally, many airlines have gone further by restricting passengers from storing power banks in overhead bins. Power banks with a capacity above 160Wh are generally banned from passenger aircraft altogether. Crew members are, however, permitted to carry and use power banks where required by the operational needs of the aircraft.
Summary of the New Rules
- Maximum 2 power banks per passenger
- Must be carried in carry-on baggage only
- Cannot be placed in checked luggage
- Recharging power banks during flight is prohibited
- Many airlines also prohibit storing them in overhead bins
- Power banks above 160Wh are generally prohibited on passenger aircraft
Why ICAO Changed the Rules
The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel drove the review, citing the need to address risks linked to lithium battery-powered devices. The panel's recommendations were assessed and endorsed by the Air Navigation Commission before being put to the Council for approval.
ICAO said the changes reflect its broader commitment to aviation safety as part of its strategic goal of achieving zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions in air transport by 2050. The organisation added that the new specifications are designed to give both passengers and airlines greater peace of mind when travelling with these increasingly common devices.
What Passengers Should Do
Travellers are advised to check that their power banks meet the capacity limit and to confirm the specific policies of their airline before flying, as individual carriers may have rules that go beyond the ICAO minimum requirements. The rules apply to all 193 ICAO member states and were approved following a review by the organisation's Air Navigation Commission.
