Ibom Air bans power banks in overhead bins following NCAA directive

Ibom Air has said it will no longer allow passengers to place power banks in overhead bins or checked-in baggage.

The airline, in a statement, said the decision complies with recent safety directives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regarding the carriage and use of power banks on commercial flights, reaffirming its commitment to passenger and crew safety.

“The NCAA directive, issued in line with global aviation safety standards, introduces a critical new restriction: passengers are prohibited from placing power banks in the overhead bins (hat racks).

“All power banks must now be carried in cabin luggage and stored either in the seat pocket in front of the passenger, under the seat, or in a carry-on bag kept within easy reach throughout the flight. The prohibition of power banks in checked baggage remains in effect, consistent with the airline’s long-standing policy on lithium battery devices, similar to laptops and other electronics,” the airline said in its statement.

According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Safety Directive, “Power banks must not be placed in the overhead luggage bins during flight. They must be carried in the cabin and stored either under the seat in front, in the seat pocket, or in a carry-on bag that remains accessible to the passenger at all times.” This measure, the airline stated ensures that in the event of overheating or fire, cabin crew can respond immediately.

“Under the new regulations, power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are permitted without restriction. However, power banks ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh require prior approval from the airline before travel.

“Devices exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on board aircraft. Passengers are advised to check their power bank’s watt-hour rating before travel, which is usually printed on the device.”

According to the airline, the directive follows a series of global incidents involving lithium battery fires that have highlighted the potential dangers of power banks in the aviation environment.

“Lithium-ion batteries, when overheated or damaged, can enter a state known as ‘thermal runaway,’ causing them to ignite fires that are extremely difficult to control, particularly at 35,000 feet where emergency response options are limited.

“Storing these devices in overhead bins delays detection and access, increasing the risk of catastrophic fire spread before cabin crew can intervene. These incidents reinforce the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols governing lithium battery devices,” the airline explained.