Biman imposes regulations on usage, carriage of power banks

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has imposed regulations on the usage and carriage of portable power banks during flights with an announcement on March 19.

The airline will no longer allow the passengers to charge their power banks using onboard USB ports or to charge any other device using power banks at any time during the flight.

Biman complies with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of portable power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.

According to the IATA regulation, Biman will allow carriage of power banks in carry-on luggage but restrict it in checked luggage.

However, power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh would be allowed without any special approval, while power banks with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh would require the airline's approval.

Several other airlines, notably Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, and Eva Air, have imposed similar restrictions as incidents of cabin fire due to the use of power banks onboard have increased a lot recently.

One particular fire breakout has even led to a complete hull loss incident, while Air Busan Flight BX391 caught fire, and the Airbus A321 operating the flight had been damaged beyond repair.