Aviation Authorities Tighten Lithium Battery Rules Amid Rising Incidents

Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries utilized in portable electronic devices, including cellphones, laptops, e-cigarettes, and cameras, as well as portable power banks and portable chargers. The batteries present safety concerns when they malfunction due to physical damage, overcharging, and extreme temperatures. These events are characterized as a thermal runaway, which is an uncontrolled and self-sustaining pressure and temperature increase within the battery compartment. The self-sustainment makes them particularly difficult to extinguish and can rapidly create one of the most serious emergencies an aircraft can encounter.

The increase in devices carried on board, as well as a lack of awareness by passengers, are likely contributing factors for the increase in incidents reported by several CAAs. The most recent incidents, largely attributed to e-cigarettes and power banks, have ranged in severity from smoke in the cabin to fires, leading to emergency evacuations and flight diversions. 

Due to the recent changes in regulations, passengers should verify battery requirements on their respective airline website to ensure they are compliant. Some of the recent changes pertaining to carry-on baggage require spare lithium batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, to be in carry-on baggage only and protected to prevent short circuits. Several airlines also prohibit the use of power banks to charge spare lithium batteries in flight, or prohibit them from being placed in the overhead bins. Spare batteries are prohibited from checked baggage.  

Passenger awareness and response in the event of a lithium battery incident may be the difference between a minor incident and an aircraft emergency. Initial signs of a possible thermal runaway of a lithium battery include an increase in heat, swelling, smoke, chemical odor, or a cracking or popping sound. Passengers should immediately notify the flight crew and not attempt to control the issue without assistance.  

To help keep everyone on the aircraft safe, passengers should follow the updated guidelines, stay informed through airline notifications and announcements, and share information among other travelers. Travelers should also monitor personal devices for any signs of an initial issue, ensure spare lithium batteries are in good working condition, and immediately inform the flight's cabin crew when any issues materialize.  

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