Power Bank Use Restricted on Saudi Flights: Key Travel Rule Explained

Saudi Arabia Bans Charging Power Banks on Flights: New Air Travel Rule Explained for Passengers

Air travel rules are becoming stricter worldwide, and Saudi Arabia has now introduced a major update affecting millions of passengers. The Kingdom’s aviation authority has officially banned the use and charging of power banks onboard flights, introducing new safety regulations that all travelers must follow.

The move is part of a wider global effort to reduce risks linked to lithium-ion batteries during air travel.

What is the New Power Bank rule in Saudi Arabia?

According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), passengers and cabin crew are no longer allowed to charge power banks during flights. In addition, using power banks to charge other electronic devices onboard is strongly discouraged.

The updated aviation safety rules apply to all flights operating in and out of Saudi airports.

How many Power Banks can passengers carry?

Under the new guidelines, passengers are still permitted to carry power banks, but with strict conditions:

1. Power banks must be carried only in hand luggage (cabin baggage)
2. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage
3. Each passenger is allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks
4. Devices must comply with international lithium battery safety standards

Why has Saudi Arabia introduced this ban?

The aviation authority says the decision is based on flight safety concerns related to lithium batteries, which are widely used in portable chargers.

Power banks can pose risks such as:

Because aircraft cabins are pressurized environments with limited fire-control response time, regulators are tightening rules to prevent onboard incidents.

The new directive also aligns Saudi Arabia’s aviation safety rules with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

What passengers should avoid during flights?

Travelers flying to or from Saudi Arabia should now be aware of the following restrictions:

• Do not charge power banks onboard
• Do not use power banks to charge phones or tablets during flight (recommended restriction)
• Do not place power banks in checked baggage
• Carry power banks only in cabin baggage
• Ensure devices meet airline safety requirements

How this impacts air travel in the Middle East?

Saudi Arabia is part of a growing global trend where airlines and aviation regulators are tightening rules around portable electronic devices. Several airlines across the Middle East and Asia have already introduced similar restrictions to improve passenger safety.

For frequent flyers using routes across the Gulf, these updates mean one important change: pre-charging devices before boarding is now more important than ever.

Final takeaway

Saudi Arabia’s new power bank rule is a strong reminder that aviation safety regulations are evolving quickly. While passengers can still carry portable chargers, their use during flights is now heavily restricted.

👉 For travelers, the safest approach is simple: Charge all devices fully before boarding and avoid using power banks in the air.