Ibom Air has announced full compliance with a new safety directive issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulating how passengers carry and store power banks during flights.
The airline said the move underscores its continued commitment to the safety of passengers and crew during flight operations.
The NCAA directive, aligned with global aviation safety standards, introduces a key restriction on the handling of portable power banks onboard aircraft. Under the new rule, passengers are not allowed to store power banks in overhead luggage compartments.
It states that “All power banks must now be carried in cabin luggage and stored either in the seat pocket in front of the passenger, under the seat, or in a carry-on bag kept within easy reach throughout the flight.”
According to the General Manager for Marketing and Communication at Ibom Air, Annie Essienette, the existing rule prohibiting power banks in checked baggage remains unchanged.
She explained that the restriction is consistent with the airline’s long-standing policy on lithium battery-powered devices such as laptops and other electronic gadgets.
The NCAA safety directive further emphasised the importance of proper storage during flights.
“Power banks must not be placed in the overhead luggage bins during flight.
“They must be carried in the cabin and stored either under the seat in front, in the seat pocket, or in a carry-on bag that remains accessible to the passenger at all times.”
“This measure ensures that in the event of overheating or fire, cabin crew can respond immediately.”
The airline also clarified that the regulation specifies limits on the capacity of power banks passengers can carry onboard.
In a statement, the airline noted: “Under the new regulations, power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are permitted without restriction. However, power banks ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh require prior approval from the airline before travel.
“Devices exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on board aircraft. Passengers are advised to check their power bank’s watt-hour rating before travel, which is usually printed on the device.”
According to the NCAA, the directive follows several global incidents involving lithium battery fires, which have raised concerns within the aviation industry.
The statement explained: “Lithium-ion batteries, when overheated or damaged, can enter a state known as ‘thermal runaway,’ causing them to ignite fires that are extremely difficult to control, particularly at 35,000 feet where emergency response options are limited.
“Storing these devices in overhead bins delays detection and access, increasing the risk of catastrophic fire spread before cabin crew can intervene.
“These incidents reinforce the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols governing lithium battery devices.”
Ibom Air reaffirmed its support for the new directive, stressing that safety remains central to its operations.
The airline added: “Safety being one of its core values, Ibom Air fully supports the NCAA’s directive on power bank carriage.
“The safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s highest priority. Ibom Air continues to work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with all safety directives.”
