Manila: AirAsia Philippines announced on Thursday its updated guidelines on power banks and electronic devices, aiming to further mitigate safety concerns. The airline has introduced stricter policies that align with global aviation safety standards to reduce the risk of battery-related incidents during flights.
According to Philippines News Agency, every passenger is allowed to carry up to two power banks, with each unit not exceeding a 100Wh capacity. These power banks must be stored properly either under the seat or in the seat pocket, and defective units will be confiscated. Additionally, power banks are to be treated separately from spare batteries, which must be carried in cabin baggage and individually protected to prevent short circuits.
The airline clarified that electronic devices such as watches, calculators, cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders are still permissible onboard. Devices powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries that exceed 100Wh but do not surpass 160Wh can be carried for personal use, provided they receive airline approval. E-cigarettes and self-balancing battery-powered devices, however, remain strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
The updated guidelines come in the wake of a fire incident last year on a Hong Kong-bound foreign airline from Busan. The fire, which originated from an overhead compartment, was suspected to have been caused by an electronic device or power bank.
