Saudi Arabia tightens power bank rules on flights
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Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has updated rules on carrying and using power banks aboard aircraft, in a move aimed at reducing lithium battery risks inside passenger cabins and strengthening flight safety.
Under the updated rules, each passenger may carry a maximum of two power banks. They must be kept in carry-on baggage inside the aircraft cabin and should not be placed in checked luggage. The new guidance also prohibits recharging power banks during flights and discourages using them to charge phones or other personal electronic devices while onboard.
GACA said the update was issued in a circular to airlines operating at Saudi airports and follows amendments by the International Civil Aviation Organization to its technical instructions for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.
The rule matters for travelers because power banks have become a common travel item, especially during long flights and airport delays. Lithium batteries, however, can pose fire risks if damaged, overheated or charged improperly. Keeping them in the cabin allows crew members to respond quickly if a device shows signs of overheating or smoke.
Passengers flying to or from Saudi Arabia should keep power banks in their hand luggage only, avoid charging them onboard, never pack them in checked baggage, and check their airline’s capacity rules before travel, as some carriers may apply additional restrictions.
The Saudi update follows a broader international tightening of power bank rules. In March 2026, ICAO introduced rules limiting passengers to two power banks and prohibiting in-flight recharging.
