EVA Air Bans Portable Chargers Inflight
Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has announced a significant safety measure that will prohibit the use of portable chargers and spare lithium batteries onboard all flights starting Saturday, March 1, 2025. The decision comes amid growing concerns over potential fire risks, that have raised industry-wide alarm following recent incidents.
Historically, EVA Air’s regulations allowed passengers to bring portable chargers and lithium batteries in their carry-on baggage while strictly forbidding their stowage in checked luggage. However, following a suspected thermal runaway event on an Air Busan Airbus A321 in Busan in January 2025, which resulted in a ground fire, EVA Air has taken the precautionary step to ban the use of these devices entirely during flight operations. “This decision is designed to improve onboard safety,” the airline stated, urging passengers to fully charge their electronic devices before boarding and to utilize the AC and USB charging outlets provided at their seats.
The new policy aligns with emerging trends in the aviation industry. According to the Taipei Times, fellow Taiwanese carrier China Airlines has already advised its passengers to avoid using portable chargers while in the air, a practice also adopted by its regional subsidiary, Mandarin Airlines. Additionally, Starlux Airlines, another major Taiwanese carrier, has maintained a prohibition on portable charger usage since its launch in 2018. These measures reflect a broader industry commitment to mitigating fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which have a well-documented history of thermal runaway incidents.
Concerns over the safety of portable chargers were first spotlighted following an incident involving a United Parcel Service (UPS) Boeing 747 in Dubai on September 3, 2010. That cargo-only flight experienced an uncontained inflight fire that originated in a container holding over 81,000 lithium-ion batteries. The fire, attributed to a thermal runaway event, led to a catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of both crew members. More recently, on January 28, 2024, an Air Busan flight caught fire at Busan-Gimhae International Airport. Although all 176 people on board were safely evacuated with only minor injuries reported, the incident has intensified scrutiny on the safety of portable electronic devices onboard aircraft.
In Europe, airlines have implemented varying guidelines on the use of portable chargers. Ryanair, for instance, now routinely advises passengers via onboard announcements that the use of these devices is not allowed during flights. This trend highlights a shift towards more cautious and standardized safety protocols across different markets.
EVA Air’s new policy is a proactive step to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the highest level of safety for its passengers and crew. As more carriers face mounting pressure to offer complimentary Wi-Fi and other modern amenities, the focus on inflight safety remains paramount. By banning the use of portable chargers and encouraging the use of built-in charging options, EVA Air aims to eliminate one more variable that could compromise flight safety.
With these changes, EVA Air joins a growing number of global carriers that are re-evaluating onboard electronic device policies to enhance safety and reduce fire risks. The industry will be watching closely to see if this policy sets a precedent for other airlines in the coming months.
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