In a move aimed at improving passenger safety, the International Civil Aviation Organization has introduced new global rules for carrying lithium battery-powered power banks on flights.

Under the updated guidelines, each passenger will now be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks while travelling. In addition, passengers will no longer be allowed to charge these devices during the flight. However, airline crew members will still be permitted to carry and use power banks, as required for aircraft operations.

The new rules will come into effect from March 27, 2026, and are part of ICAO’s ongoing efforts to address safety risks linked to lithium batteries, which are widely used in personal electronic devices.

Lithium batteries can pose a fire risk if they overheat, are damaged, or are used improperly. With the increasing number of passengers carrying multiple electronic devices, aviation authorities have been closely monitoring these risks.

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ICAO said the updated restrictions are based on growing technical understanding of these hazards. By limiting the number of power banks and preventing their use during flights, the organisation aims to reduce the chances of overheating or fire incidents onboard aircraft.

The new measures were developed after detailed discussions among aviation safety experts. ICAO’s Dangerous Goods Panel, which studies risks related to hazardous materials, played a key role in identifying the potential dangers of lithium battery-powered devices.

The panel’s recommendations were reviewed by the ICAO Air Navigation Commission, an independent group of technical experts. After further assessment and minor revisions, the proposed changes were approved by the ICAO Council, which includes representatives from 36 member countries.

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The updated rules will be included in ICAO’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, a key document that guides aviation safety practices worldwide.

An official update, or addendum, will be shared with all 193 ICAO member states, which are expected to adopt and implement these guidelines within their respective aviation systems.

ICAO said the new restrictions reflect its broader goal of enhancing aviation safety as part of its long-term vision for the global aviation sector. This vision includes achieving zero fatalities and reducing environmental impact by 2050.