United Nigeria Airlines Restricts Onboard Use of Power Banks

United Nigeria Airlines has issued a safety advisory limiting the use and carriage of power banks on its flights. Passengers are now required to keep power banks in hand or carry-on baggage and are prohibited from using or charging them during flights.

The airline shared the notice on its official X page, citing compliance with regulations from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that govern lithium battery-powered devices. Power banks cannot be checked in and must remain accessible throughout the flight, rather than stored in overhead compartments.

Each passenger is allowed a maximum of two power banks, with a capacity limit of 100 watt-hours per device, in line with aviation safety standards.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in portable power banks, are classified as hazardous materials due to potential risks of overheating, fire, or explosion if mishandled. International aviation standards, including those from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), restrict such batteries in checked luggage and impose strict limits on onboard carriage.

United Nigeria Airlines emphasized that the advisory is intended to ensure passenger safety and smooth flight operations. Travellers are urged to follow the directive to prevent incidents and maintain a secure cabin environment.