All flight passengers departing from Hong Kong can only carry two power banks, effective immediately

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The Airport Authority said the new restrictions align with aviation safety requirements recently issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are now restricted to carrying a maximum of two lithium battery-powered power banks per person, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Under the updated rules, passengers are also prohibited from recharging power banks during flights.

Both requirements take effect immediately.

The move follows newly issued restrictions on power banks by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), introduced to address the emerging aviation safety risks posed by lithium battery power banks.

According to ICAO’s specifications, flight crew will still be permitted to carry and use power banks in line with the operational requirements of the aircraft.

ICAO emphasised that the updated measures reflect its “continuing commitment to enhancing aviation safety”, noting that they have been reviewed by independent technical experts and approved by the ICAO Council. The addendum to the Technical Instructions will be provided to all 193 ICAO Member States.

Cathay Pacific Airways and its subsidiary Hong Kong Express, as well as Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines, have all announced the immediate implementation of these restrictions across all their flights. The airlines also reminded passengers that using power banks during the flight – whether to charge electronic devices or to recharge the power bank itself – is strictly prohibited.

Cathay Pacific added that any additional power banks will be confiscated by security screening authorities at Hong Kong International Airport.

Hong Kong Express further stated that passengers are also prohibited from placing power banks in overhead compartments.

Airlines’ guidelines specify that power banks must be packed in carry‑on baggage only.

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