Saudi aviation authority tightens power bank rules on flights

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has introduced revised regulations governing the transport and use of portable chargers, commonly known as power banks, on flights operating through the kingdom’s airports.

The updated rules were issued through a circular sent to airlines and are aimed at strengthening onboard safety measures and aligning Saudi aviation procedures with international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The new directive comes amid growing global attention on lithium battery-related risks in commercial aviation, particularly involving overheating and fire incidents linked to portable electronic devices.

New restrictions apply to passengers and crew

Under the revised regulations, passengers and cabin crew are no longer permitted to recharge power banks during flights.

GACA also confirmed that portable chargers:

• Must be carried only in hand luggage
• Are prohibited in checked baggage
• Cannot be recharged onboard aircraft
• Should not be used to charge electronic devices during flights as an added safety precaution

The regulator has additionally imposed a limit of two power banks per passenger onboard aircraft.

Officials said the measures are intended to reduce potential fire hazards associated with lithium battery-powered devices inside aircraft cabins.

Aviation authorities increase focus on battery safety

Lithium battery safety has become an increasing area of focus for airlines and aviation regulators worldwide as passenger reliance on portable electronic devices continues to rise.

International aviation authorities have progressively tightened rules around the transport of batteries, portable chargers and electronic devices following concerns over thermal runaway incidents, overheating and onboard fires.

According to the Saudi Press Agency report, the latest Saudi regulations align with broader international aviation safety practices developed under ICAO standards.

Industry observers note that portable chargers are classified as higher-risk items because lithium-ion batteries can generate significant heat if damaged, improperly stored or exposed to charging faults.

Airlines expected to implement updated procedures

The updated GACA directive is expected to require airlines operating through Saudi Arabia to reinforce passenger awareness around battery handling and cabin baggage compliance.

Key operational implications for airlines and travellers include:

• Enhanced cabin baggage screening
• Updated in-flight safety procedures
• Passenger communication on restricted battery use
• Increased compliance checks during boarding
• Greater alignment with global lithium battery safety protocols

Airlines globally have increasingly reviewed battery transport procedures as passenger device usage continues expanding across commercial aviation.

Safety oversight remains priority for regulators

The latest Saudi measures reflect a broader trend among aviation regulators to strengthen oversight of electronic devices carried onboard aircraft.

Industry experts note that regulators are balancing passenger convenience with stricter preventive measures aimed at minimising cabin safety risks linked to battery-powered products.

As air travel volumes continue growing across the Gulf and international aviation markets, regulators are expected to continue updating operational safety standards covering portable electronics, battery storage and in-flight device usage.