Ibom Air enforces NCAA ban on power banks

2026-03-03 - 16:47

By Dickson Omobola Following directives by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, regarding the carriage and use of power banks on commercial flights, Ibom Air has disclosed that passengers will no longer be allowed to place power banks in overhead bins or checked-in baggage. The new rules were contained in an All Operators Letter, AOL, issued by the NCAA on January 23, 2026, and signed by the Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo. Under the directive, NCAA, which said the provisions take effect March 1, 2026, stated: “Power banks must be carried as cabin (carry-on) baggage only; must be stowed under the passenger’s seat, in seat-back pockets, or in any other location designated by the airline, but not in overhead bins; must not be recharged during the flight; must not be used to charge portable electronic devices onboard; must not exceed two units per passenger; must be individually protected to prevent short circuits; and must comply with prescribed energy capacity limits.” Ibom Air’s statement reads: “The NCAA directive, issued in line with global aviation safety standards, introduces a critical new restriction: passengers are prohibited from placing power banks in the overhead bins. “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. The prohibition of power banks in checked baggage remains in effect, consistent with the airline’s long-standing policy on lithium battery devices, similar to laptops and other electronics. “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.”