Turkey is introducing new safety measures on flights related to the use of lithium batteries. Turkish Airlines has announced a ban on the carriage of so-called “smart suitcases” with non-removable lithium batteries in the cabin and baggage. The decision was made on the recommendation of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey after a recent incident with an overheating power bank on board one of its flights.
According to the new rules, a suitcase with a battery can only be transported if the battery is removable. In this case, it must be removed, packed separately and taken in hand luggage. The contacts must be insulated or the battery must be in the original packaging. The battery can only be reinstalled after arrival at the destination.
Pegasus Airlines has introduced similar restrictions. Now passengers are prohibited from using power banks during the flight — even to charge phones or tablets. However, they can still be carried in hand luggage, provided that the devices are turned off throughout the flight.
Experts note that these measures are associated with increased risks of lithium cell fires in pressurized cabins. International aviation organizations have been calling on carriers for stricter control over such equipment for several years now, and Turkey has become one of the countries where such restrictions are mandatory.
