A plane passenger’s power bank caught fire and exploded at Roxas Airport on Tuesday morning, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
No one was reported injured in the minor explosion which occurred at the Initial Security Screening Checkpoint (ISSCP) of the airport.
The CAAP reported that around 6:36 a.m., airport personnel discovered a 72,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) power bank in the baggage of a female passenger bound for Manila. This gadget exceeded the allowable capacity of 160 watt-hours for devices permitted on board an aircraft.
Initially, the passenger claimed that the power bank had been allowed on her inbound flight from Manila. However, she eventually agreed to turn it over to a companion outside the terminal. While arrangements were being finalized, the power bank suddenly sparked and ignited on the inspection table.
“An airport security guard promptly responded and used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames. Despite this intervention, the power bank exploded shortly after. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or significant damage,” said CAAP chief information officer Eric Apolonio.
Apolonio emphasized the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations, particularly concerning lithium-ion powered devices such as power banks.
Just recently, a smoke was observed coming from Baggage Carousel 3 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Terminal 1. An airport employee identified the source of the smoke as a power bank that had likely fallen from a passenger’s luggage into the carousel system.
The device caused a minor spark, resulting in the smoke; however, there was no open flame, and the carousel remained fully operational.
In line with a directive from President Marcos for the Department of Transportation to maintain the highest safety standards for all passengers, CAAP urges travelers to review airline and airport safety policies prior to their travel to help ensure a secure air transport environment.
Airport and airline officials reminded travelers that power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Passengers are allowed to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh. For those with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh, passengers must request approval at the check-in counter.