Nigerian carrier Ibom Air has introduced a new safety policy banning passengers from storing power banks in overhead bins during flights.
The restriction, effective immediately, aligns with a directive from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and mirrors international aviation safety standards aimed at reducing risks from lithium-ion battery fires.
According to Ibom Air, power banks must now be kept accessible in the cabin, such as in a seat pocket, under the seat in front, or in a carry-on bag that remains within easy reach of the passenger at all times.
This ensures quick detection and response if any overheating or combustion occurs.The airline highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which can enter "thermal runaway" when damaged or overheated, leading to intense fires that are hard to extinguish particularly challenging at cruising altitudes around 35,000 feet where response options are limited.
Storing devices out of sight in overhead bins can delay smoke detection and crew intervention, potentially allowing a small incident to escalate.
The policy does not affect other personal electronic devices like laptops (which also cannot go in checked baggage), and existing rules remain in place: power banks are prohibited in checked luggage entirely.
Capacity limits continue to apply devices up to 100Wh are permitted without approval, those between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline permission, and anything over 160Wh is banned.
Ibom Air emphasized that the measure prioritizes passenger and crew safety amid growing global concerns over lithium battery incidents on aircraft.
Passengers are advised to check their power bank's watt-hour rating before travel and plan accordingly to avoid issues at the airport.
The airline encouraged travelers to review the full NCAA guidelines for compliance.
This follows similar restrictions introduced by various international airlines in recent years in response to in-flight battery-related fire risks.
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