The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is partnering with airlines to implement enhanced awareness policies and guidelines aimed at educating passengers about the safe handling of hazardous items during air travel.
This proactive initiative seeks to improve communication on safety protocols and ensure travelers are fully informed about regulations concerning dangerous goods, such as power banks and other lithium-ion devices.
In a recent radio interview, Captain James Conner, head of the Flight Operations Department (FOD), addressed concerns sparked by recent aviation incidents involving power banks suspected of causing onboard fires. While emphasizing that these incidents were isolated, Captain Conner highlighted their significance as a reminder of the critical need to adhere to aviation safety regulations.
He underscored the importance of passengers strictly following airline-imposed safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
CAAP regulations classify power banks as portable lithium-ion battery devices, which are prohibited in checked luggage due to their potential to overheat and pose fire risks. Passengers, however, are permitted to carry power banks in their hand luggage, subject to specific guidelines:
- Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (watt-hours) may be carried onboard without prior approval.
- Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval before being brought onboard.
- Power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited from all flights.
To avoid inconvenience, CAAP strongly advises travelers to verify the capacity of their power banks and comply with the safety policies of their respective airlines.
Aligned with its commitment to uphold international aviation safety standards, CAAP, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation under Secretary Vince Dizon’s leadership, remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of passengers and crew. This ongoing effort reinforces the importance of awareness and compliance in safeguarding aviation operations.
