Warning issued to anyone with a power bank as important new rules announced

Power banks have boomed in popularity in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. These accessories can be a lifesaver for anyone whose phone, tablet or laptop is running low on battery and isn't near a plug. However, despite their obvious advantages, buying a cheap power bank and not looking after it can put you and others at serious risk, especially when travelling by air.

Recent stats from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show reports of overheating or malfunctioning devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025.

For those not aware, power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which, if damaged, can create aggressive fires that can release toxic fumes - a process known as thermal runaway.

If this happens in an enclosed space, it can be extremely serious.

"Power banks are popular travel items that keep you powered up on the go," Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, explains.

"But they contain lithium-ion batteries which can hold a sizable amount of energy in a very small space, so can pose a serious fire risk if they become damaged or are manufactured to a substandard level."

It's now vital that consumers follow some simple rules when buying and owning a power bank.

These include only purchasing them from a reputable source and taking care of them. One of the biggest tell-tale signs that something could be wrong is if your power bank starts to bulge, swell or change shape.