Travelers welcomed new aviation rules prohibiting portable charger use aboard local flights, with restrictions taking effect Monday.
The rules, announced by the Civil Aviation Department earlier, ban both using power banks to charge devices midflight and storing them in overhead compartments.
Passengers must now keep power banks at accessible locations like seat pockets or under seats.
Local airlines have posted check-in counter notices reminding travelers to carry them in hand luggage and to pack them securely. Smart luggage must remain powered off throughout flights, with charging prohibited.
“It’s much safer,” said passenger Kwong at Hong Kong International Airport.
Chan, another traveler, noted recent incidents made the rules necessary.
When asked about inconvenience, he added: “Not really. Most people turn off their phones or use flight mode anyway, and many planes have entertainment systems.”
Passenger Lee said he now stores power banks differently: “We used to put them overhead, but now keep them under seats.
The policy follows a March 20 emergency landing by Hong Kong Airlines Flight HX115 after a suspected power bank fire filled the cabin with smoke. Crew and passengers extinguished flames using water and juice.
(Ayra Wang)
