USA: Airlines Tighten Policies On Lithium-Ion Batteries Following Rise In Fire Incidents: What Travellers Need To Know

In light of a concerning uptick in fire incidents attributed to lithium-ion batteries, prominent airlines among them Southwest, Emirates, and a number of Asian carriers have adopted tighter restrictions concerning passengers carrying such equipment. The revised guidelines are intended to enhance safety and to curtail the growing incidence of in-flight emergencies linked to these batteries, a trend that has accelerated in the past several years.

A recent report from UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE), a global safety organisation, has highlighted a significant increase in lithium-ion battery incidents aboard commercial aircraft. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded forty six incidents in 2025 alone, following a peak in 2024, which saw eighty nine lithium battery-related episodes. These incidents have ranged from minor smoke to full-blown fires that pose considerable risks to passenger safety and flight operations.

To address the growing safety concerns, airlines worldwide have updated their policies regarding lithium-ion devices, including power banks, laptops, and mobile phones. Southwest Airlines has implemented new guidelines requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers within sight when in use, while Emirates has introduced a complete ban on the use of power banks during flights starting in October 2025. This is in response to the increasing number of lithium-ion battery incidents, particularly those related to portable chargers.

Many Asian airlines, such as Thai Airways, EVA Air, and Singapore Airlines, have also followed suit by restricting power bank usage. South Korea has even implemented a nationwide ban on power banks aboard flights in 2025, further emphasising the urgency of addressing this safety issue.

The primary concern with lithium-ion batteries is their potential to cause thermal runaway incidents, where batteries overheat, ignite, and create fires that are difficult to extinguish. These fires can burn faster and more intensely than traditional fires due to the chemical nature of lithium-ion batteries, and can even reignite hours after being extinguished.

This presents a significant challenge for cabin crews, as it requires specialised procedures to contain and extinguish such fires. Furthermore, thermal runaway incidents often result in severe disruptions to flight schedules, including diversions, evacuations, or delays. ULSE’s data indicates that one in five thermal runway incidents leads to significant passenger disruption, underscoring the importance of enhanced safety protocols.

Given the rise in lithium-ion battery incidents, travellers should take extra precautions when flying with electronic devices. Passengers are advised to always carry lithium-ion battery-powered devices in their carry-on luggage, as checked luggage is prohibited from containing such items due to safety regulations set by the TSA and FAA.

To ensure devices are safe to use, travellers should check for third-party safety certifications, such as marks from UL Solutions or Intertek, which indicate that the product has undergone safety tests and includes built-in safety features like thermal cutoffs and overcharge protection.

Passengers are also urged to monitor their devices for any signs of overheating, swelling, or malfunctioning batteries. Any damaged or faulty lithium-ion battery should be avoided and disposed of properly.

The recent surge in lithium-ion battery fires presents a dual challenge of safety and operational continuity for the tourism sector. Incidents that prompt flight delays or diversions shatter the seamless nature of travel, compounding logistical stress for passengers who may already be contending with tight schedules or the stringent time windows characteristic of group arrangements. The result is more than singular inconvenience; it is a cascading series of problems that can jeopardise carefully curated itineraries and compromise the integrity of a destination’s appeal.

In light of evolving carrier protocols regarding the transport of lithium-ion batteries, discernment on the part of travellers is essential. Remaining current with the latest regulations, carefully selecting devices, and adhering strictly to specified packaging and capacity thresholds can mitigate the likelihood of incidents. Such proactive engagement not only advances individual safety but, in aggregate, fortifies the resilience of the aviation network and preserves the fluidity upon which modern tourism relies.