Vietnam Airlines & Vietjet Air Enforce Tough Power Bank Ban—Passenger Safety Takes Priority

Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air have announced a strict ban on the use and charging of power banks during flights, effective from September 2025. This move comes amid rising global concern over the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to overheating incidents and even fires on aircraft in recent years. Passengers are still allowed to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, but they must remain completely disconnected and unused for the entire duration of the flight.

Under the new regulations, power banks cannot be used to charge devices or plugged into any onboard outlet while flying with either carrier. Additionally, power banks must never be packed into checked baggage and must be fully visible in carry-ons, highlighting a zero-tolerance policy for their use in the air. Similar measures have been implemented by a growing list of Asian and international airlines as a preventive step against potential battery-related hazards, with aviation authorities citing dozens of lithium battery incidents globally.

The ban not only prioritizes passenger safety but also signals to travelers the importance of checking airline policies before departure—particularly as other carriers may soon follow this trend. Experts advise all travelers to ensure their devices are fully charged pre-flight and to expect more robust safety protocols around lithium battery products on international routes going forward.

Key Points:

• Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air ban the in-flight use/charging of power banks (carrying them in cabin baggage is still permitted).
• Policy responds to increasing lithium battery safety incidents in aviation, aligning both airlines with broader regional and global trends.
• Power banks must be visible and disconnected in the cabin; checked baggage storage remains strictly forbidden.
• Passengers are urged to review airline rules on batteries, as more carriers implement similar regulations for flight safety.

These new rules underscore the aviation industry’s commitment to minimizing serious battery hazards while maintaining secure, compliant travel experiences for all passengers.