AirAsia Philippines Reinforces Carry-on Battery Restrictions
25 June 2025, Manila, Philippines — As aviation regulators and airlines continue to observe recent cases involving non-compliant lithium battery devices, AirAsia Philippines is reminding guests to review and comply with the updated regulations on carrying battery-powered devices, particularly power banks.
To easily guide guests, AirAsia Philippines reiterates the following policy:
Guests are allowed up to five (5) power banks, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh). More than 5 power banks, each with 100 watt-hour and power banks with 101-160 watt-hour (maximum of 2) are subject to airline approval.
Power banks must be hand-carried, not placed in checked baggage.
Use of power banks during the flight is strictly not allowed and devices should be stored properly---either under the seat or in the seat pocket.
“Guest safety begins even before takeoff. Fortunately, our updated power bank policy has helped us avoid any incidents inflight so far, but we can’t let our guard down,” AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs First Officer Steve Dailisan said.
On June 24, 2025, a guest flying from Roxas to Manila carried an undeclared power bank with a capacity of 326 watt hour, significantly above the airline’s allowable capacity, caught fire and exploded during X-ray screening at Roxas Airport.
“Thankfully, no one was injured, but the device’s extreme capacity (well over 100 Wh limit) is a serious alert for air travel safety. AirAsia personnel immediately assisted the authorities for the disposal of the device. Safety should always be a shared responsibility among airline staff and guests. On top of our strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP), we continue to encourage guests to stay informed, communicate, and make honest declarations with our crew so we can keep every flight safe,” added Dailisan.
As part of its SOPs, the airline will continue to ask guests if they are carrying lithium battery-powered devices and assess whether these fall within the airline’s safety guidelines. Reminders will also be consistently delivered across all guest touchpoints, from check-in, to pre boarding announcements and inflight briefings, ensuring full awareness and compliance throughout the journey.
Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reinforced its directive through updated safety bulletins (Advisory Circular 18-005) in response to the increased number of incidents related to lithium batteries.
For more information on allowed items and battery regulations, visit airasia.com or chat with AskBo via the AirAsia MOVE App