Risk of In-flight Use of Power Banks

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Acting Minister for Transport in light of Japan's ban on in-flight use of power banks and that they be kept accessible due to fire risks (a) whether CAAS has considered similar measures for flights departing Singapore; and (b) what risk assessments or incident data informed this evaluation, including the thresholds that will justify adopting stricter restrictions.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets guidelines on the carriage and use of electronic devices on flights, including power banks. These guidelines address safety risks, such as fire hazards involving lithium batteries. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) aligns its safety regulations with ICAO's guidelines. These include restrictions on the allowable capacity of lithium batteries onboard aircraft, how they must be carried and limitations on their use during flight.

ICAO is expected to update its guidelines on lithium batteries in the coming months, which will be incorporated into CAAS's regulations. CAAS is working with airlines to prepare for these changes.