Turkey may ban the use of power banks on board aircraft

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Turkey (SHGM) is considering introducing new restrictions on the use of power banks during flights. These recommendations come in the wake of an incident aboard a South Korean Asiana Airlines flight.

The aircraft, en route from Istanbul to Seoul, was forced to return to the departure airport three hours into the flight because a passenger lost their power bank in the cabin. The device could not be located, and due to the potential fire hazard posed by lithium batteries, a decision was made to turn the plane around. In recent years, power banks have caused several onboard fires, raising serious concerns among aviation authorities worldwide.

In light of this, the SHGM has recommended that Turkish airlines consider measures to restrict or completely ban the use of power banks during flights. For now, the discussion concerns only their use — not a ban on carrying them in hand luggage.

This is not the first new safety measure introduced on Turkish flights. Recently, the national carrier Turkish Airlines banned the transport of “smart” suitcases equipped with non-removable lithium batteries. The ban applies to both checked baggage and carry-ons. These suitcases are Bluetooth-enabled and may pose a risk if the battery overheats or short-circuits.

Aviation authorities emphasize that these measures aim to prevent emergencies and enhance onboard safety. It is expected that airlines will soon present their plans for implementing these recommendations.