Ibom Air has complied with a new safety directive issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), restricting the carriage and storage of power banks in overhead bins during commercial flights.
Mrs. Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air, conveyed this in a signed statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday,
She explained that the directive aligns with global aviation safety standards.
Under the new rule, passengers, according to the airline must carry power banks in the cabin and store them either in the seat pocket in front of them, under the seat, or inside a carry-on bag kept within easy reach throughout the journey.
She noted that the longstanding prohibition on placing power banks in checked baggage remains in force, consistent with existing regulations governing lithium battery-powered devices such as laptops and other portable electronics.
According to the statement, the measure is designed to ensure swift response by cabin crew in the event of overheating or fire involving lithium-ion batteries.
The directive further stipulates that power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are permitted without restriction, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval before travel.
She added:”Devices exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on board aircraft, and passengers are advised to verify the watt-hour rating of their devices usually printed on the power bank before departure.”
Ibom Air describes safety as a core value of its operations, stating that the airline fully supports the NCAA’s directive and will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with all safety requirements.
The airline encourages passengers to familiarise themselves with updated travel guidelines and permitted items by visiting its official website ahead of their flights, stressing that strict adherence to the directive is essential to maintaining a safe aviation environment.
