Russian Airlines Introduce Restrictions on Power Banks in Carry-on Luggage

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Russian airlines have started implementing updated regulations regarding the transportation of portable power banks on board, according to Baza. The practical application of these new rules is raising serious questions among industry players.

The changes are linked to the introduction of new technical instructions by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) governing the transportation of dangerous goods. According to these guidelines, passengers are now allowed to carry no more than two power banks, but only in carry-on luggage and provided they are stored in protective packaging or cases. Additionally, using these devices for charging during the flight is strictly prohibited.

These new regulations have already been integrated into the rules of Russian airlines and are mandatory. However, the practical enforcement mechanism remains unclear. Specifically, it is uncertain what measures will be taken against passengers who violate these requirements.

An additional complication arises from the inconsistency of the regulatory framework. Pre-flight security checks are governed by Ministry of Transport orders, which have not yet been updated to align with the new ICAO standards. This means that transport security personnel are not formally authorized to verify the number of power banks or confiscate them if the limits are exceeded.

As a result, passengers may board the aircraft without any restrictions even if they exceed the established limits, while the responsibility for any violations falls on the airline.

To address this legal gap, corresponding amendments to the legislation have already been drafted, but their adoption timeline is yet to be determined. Industry representatives are awaiting official clarifications from the regulator that will establish a uniform procedure for the transitional period and clearly define responsibilities.