Hanoi (VNA) - The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and private carrier Vietjet Air have officially banned passengers from using lithium-based power banks during their flights.
The ban was issued after an incident on March 21, when a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou (China) was forced to make an emergency landing when a power bank in a passenger's personal bag suddenly exploded and caught on fire.
A Vietjet representative advised passengers to fully charge their electronic devices before boarding, remove power banks from checked luggage, and keep them in a visible place and not used to charge mobile devices throughout the flight. Power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage and are not allowed in checked baggage.
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines also recommended passengers to carry lithium batteries in their carry-on luggage and check information on lithium battery transport regulations before boarding for a safe and smooth journey.
The airlines affirmed that passenger safety remains their top priority. They continuously update regulations and adhere to the highest safety standards to ensure a secure and comfortable flight experience.
According to regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), lithium batteries and electronic devices using them must be transported properly to prevent fire hazards and ensure passenger and flight safety.
Passengers must remove lithium batteries from their carry-on luggage and keep them in a visible place throughout the flight. For safety reasons, passengers are also not allowed to charge their power banks from USB ports on the plane. Power banks must be protected separately and completely turned off to avoid activation.
Passengers may carry lithium batteries and electronic devices using such batteries with a capacity of no more 100Wh in their hand luggage, with a maximum of 20 units, including both spare and built-in batteries.
For lithium batteries with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh, passengers must inform the airline and obtain approval before bringing them on board with a maximum of two batteries. Those that exceed 160Wh, or are damaged or swollen, are strictly prohibited from air transport./.
