Traficom Limits Passengers to Two Power Banks and Moves Lithium Devices to Cabin Only

With the summer travel peak underway, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) has launched an information blitz reminding air travellers that, under new ICAO rules in force since April 2026, each passenger may carry a maximum of two power banks (≤100 Wh) and must place all lithium-powered devices—including e-cigarettes—exclusively in hand luggage. The campaign is being run jointly with Finavia, Finnair, Norra, Norwegian and ground-handler Airpro. Finavia data show that security screeners removed 34 000–36 000 power banks from checked bags last year, causing costly manual inspections and missed flight connections. The new push includes pre-trip emails on Finnair bookings, updated signage at Helsinki-Vantaa and social-media videos that demonstrate correct packing. Passengers who gate-check carry-ons are instructed to re-inspect bags and remove batteries before handing them over. Cabin crew have been issued quick-response cards detailing how to handle thermal runaway events, and Finnair has stocked additional battery fire-containment bags on A350 aircraft.



For those planning a trip to Finland, VisaHQ can also help ensure that visa paperwork doesn’t become another travel headache. Its Finland portal (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) provides step-by-step application guidance and real-time status updates, allowing passengers to sort out entry requirements well before departure so they can concentrate on packing power banks correctly.

For corporate travel managers the practical takeaway is to update company travel policies: employees must keep laptops powered off if placed in the hold during last-minute baggage transfers, and “battery banks as client gifts” should be shipped, not carried. Failure to comply can result in on-the-spot fines of up to €1 000 under Finland’s Aviation Act. The initiative aligns Finland with EU-wide efforts to mitigate lithium-battery fire risks after several high-profile incidents in 2025. Travellers connecting through Helsinki should expect targeted questions at security, especially if their electronics exceed the 100 Wh threshold that triggers airline approval requirements.