New travel ban introduced by major airlines after ANOTHER onboard fire forces flight to divert

SEVERAL other airlines have introduced a strict ban on power banks being used on flights, following a number of onboard fires.

Hong Kong‘s aviation regulator (the Civil Aviation Department Hong Kong) is stopping passengers from using the travel gadget during flights.

Under the new rule, passengers will not be allowed to store power banks in overhead lockers.

Instead, power banks will need to be stored underneath a traveller's seat or in the seat pocket in front of them.

The new measure will come into force on April 7, impacting local airlines like Cathay Pacific, HK Express (a low-cost subsidiary of Cathay Pacific) and Hong Kong Airlines.

Brits will be affected by the new ban because Cathay Pacific operates routes from the UK.

The Hong Kong flag carrier issued the following statement: “We recognise the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety and support measures to reduce risks associated with the use of lithium battery-powered devices. Cathay will fully comply with the regulations.”

It comes after a Hong Kong Airlines flight, which was on its way to Hong Kong, was forced to make an emergency landing after a fire broke out in one of the overhead bins.

Passengers suspect a power bank was behind the cause of the blaze, according to local media.

The Civil Aviation Department Hong Kong issued the following statement: “Passengers are advised to check with relevant airlines on the latest regulations before their flight.”

Hong Kong isn't the only Civil Aviation Authority to ban power banks on its flights, with Thailand also introducing similar rules earlier this year.

Passengers on Thai Airways and AirAsia will not be able to use their power banks onboard flights from March 15.

Just like the ban in Hong Kong, the devices can still be taken into the cabin but they must not be used.

Earlier this year, Air Busan became the first airline in the world to ban passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage.

The ban came after a power bank caught fire on an Air Busan flight on January 28.

All passengers were safely evacuated.

However, the plane was decommissioned following the incident because of the extent of the damage.

Since then, other airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot and China Airlines have also prohibited the use of power banks onboard flights.

Last month, Eva Air confirmed that while power banks could be taken into the cabin, they were not allowed to be used during the flight.

Airlines in the UK are yet to follow suit, with passengers still allowed to use power banks in the cabins.

Most long-haul airlines have charging ports built into the seats, with passengers encouraged to use them instead.

Here are some other power bank rules you need to know about when packing them in your luggage.

And here are the nine bizarre items that are banned from hand luggage, including protein powder and hair dye.