HCMC – Vietnam Airlines Group, which consists of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Vasco, has banned passengers from using lithium power banks on all its flights.
In a September 9 statement, Vietnam Airlines Group said it is stepping up measures to tighten control over the transport of lithium power banks on its flights, reaffirming safety as its top priority to minimize risks and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
Passengers are required to declare such power banks at the check-in counter when carrying them in cabin bags and place them in a visible location to facilitate monitoring and timely detection of any technical glitches.
The airline has equipped its aircraft with specialized tools such as heat-resistant gloves and fire- and smoke-proof bags to handle potential incidents involving lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries, commonly found in personal electronic devices and power banks, are strictly banned from checked luggage under international aviation safety standards because of the risk of fire or explosion if damaged or overheated.
In recent months, several international airlines have reported cabin incidents involving lithium batteries catching fire or emitting smoke, forcing emergency landings.
Major carriers such as China Airlines, Korean Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates have also banned the use of lithium power banks on board this year.
It is not only the aviation sector raising concerns, but also the tech industry. On September 1, a major technology group announced a global recall of a 20,000 mAh power bank model due to overheating risks that could lead to fire or explosion.
