EVA Air to ban power bank use on its planes starting March 1

Taipei, Feb. 26 (CNA) Passengers flying with Taiwan-based EVA Airways will be prohibited from using or charging power banks and spare lithium batteries on EVA Air flights starting March 1 to strengthen safety, the airline announced in a statement Tuesday.

Following similar moves by South Korean airlines earlier this month, EVA Air urged passengers to use AC power outlets and USB (Type-A) ports available at their seats if they need to charge electronic devices.

The airline also reiterated that power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot be packed in checked baggage but rather must be carried in hand luggage and stored properly to prevent compression or damage.

South Korea implemented a similar ban on Feb. 13 as a precaution against potential battery fires, following a January incident in which an Air Busan aircraft caught fire, though the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's China Airlines has advised passengers to avoid using power banks during flights but has not banned their use, while Starlux Airlines said it has prohibited power bank use on board since its launch in 2018.