Finnish Aviation Authorities Limit Power Banks to Two Per Passenger in New Safety Drive

With summer peak travel under way, Finland’s Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) has joined Finavia, Finnair, Norwegian and ground-handler AirPro in a country-wide campaign to curb the growing fire risk posed by lithium batteries. A press release on 1 July reminds travellers that power banks, spare batteries and e-cigarettes must be carried only in cabin baggage—and, under a new ICAO rule that entered force in April, each passenger may take a maximum of two power banks rated 100 Wh or below. Finavia’s statistics show that security staff removed more than 35 000 power banks from hold luggage at Helsinki Airport last year.



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Incidents of thermal runaway remain rare, but ICAO’s data attribute several cargo-hold fires worldwide to damaged lithium cells. By enforcing the “two-bank rule” at check-in and boarding gates, Finnish airlines hope to reduce last-minute bag searches that delay departures and frustrate passengers. Operationally, airlines are updating their pre-flight SMS and app notifications, while corporate travel managers are amending policy guidance for employees carrying multiple devices. Travellers should note that in-flight charging of power banks remains prohibited and that gate-checked hand baggage will be re-inspected to remove batteries before loading. The Finnish campaign mirrors similar initiatives at Heathrow and Frankfurt, signalling a broader European move toward harmonised lithium-battery rules. Failure to comply can result in confiscation and, in serious cases, administrative fines under the Aviation Act. Frequent flyers are advised to label power banks with capacity markings and pack all battery-powered devices where they are visible and accessible in the cabin.