Lufthansa Group, Europe’s second-largest airline group, has introduced strict new restrictions on the use of portable power banks onboard its aircraft, citing growing concerns over the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. The new rules came into force on January 15, 2026, and apply across all airlines within the group.
The move aligns Lufthansa Group with other major global carriers, including Emirates and Turkish Airlines, which have previously introduced similar measures following a series of battery-related safety incidents in aviation worldwide.
New rules for power banks onboard
Under the updated policy, passengers are no longer allowed to charge electronic devices using power banks during the flight, nor are they permitted to actively use power banks at any point while onboard.
Storage requirements have also been tightened. Power banks must not be placed in overhead luggage compartments under any circumstances. Instead, they must be kept within easy reach – in a seat pocket, in hand luggage stored under the seat in front, or carried directly on the passenger.
Additional restrictions include clear limits on quantity and capacity. Each passenger may carry no more than two portable power banks. Devices with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours are permitted without special approval. Power banks rated between 100 and 160 watt-hours require prior authorization from the airline, while devices exceeding 160 watt-hours are completely prohibited from carriage.
As before, power banks and electronic cigarettes remain strictly banned from checked baggage due to the elevated fire risk in aircraft cargo holds. An exception applies only to devices required to power essential medical equipment, which may continue to be used in the cabin without changes to existing rules.
Airlines affected by the changes
The updated regulations apply to all airlines operating under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, including:
- Lufthansa
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Eurowings
- Discover Airlines
- ITA Airways
Lufthansa Group said the tighter rules are designed to minimize the risk of thermal runaway incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which can be difficult to detect and contain once ignited. Passengers are being advised to review the updated policy before traveling to avoid delays or confiscation of non-compliant devices at the airport.
