Saudi Arabia Bans Charging Power Banks on Flights Under New GACA Regulations
Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority has updated rules limiting passengers to two power banks, banning in-flight charging, and aligning with ICAO safety standards.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has rolled out updated regulations governing the carriage and use of power banks aboard aircraft, marking a significant shift in how passengers can use portable chargers during flights across the Kingdom.
The new rules, issued via a circular to all airlines operating at Saudi airports, adopt the latest amendments from the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284). Here’s what travelers need to know.
Key Changes at a Glance
No more charging power banks onboard. Passengers are prohibited from recharging their power banks while on the aircraft. This means you’ll need to arrive at the gate with your portable charger fully juiced up.
Using power banks to charge devices is discouraged. While not an outright ban, GACA advises against using power banks to charge phones, tablets, or laptops during the flight — a routine practice for many travelers on long-haul routes.
Two power banks maximum. Each passenger is limited to carrying no more than two portable chargers.
Carry-on only. All power banks must be stored in carry-on baggage inside the cabin — they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.
Why the Crackdown?
The regulations target risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to a growing number of cabin fire incidents worldwide. Lithium battery fires burn extremely hot and can be difficult to extinguish in an enclosed aircraft environment.
GACA stated that the measures are intended to “enhance aviation safety and reduce risks associated with lithium battery devices in aircraft cabins,” bringing the Kingdom in line with evolving international standards.
Part of a Broader Enforcement Push
The power bank rules come amid a wider tightening of aviation oversight in Saudi Arabia. GACA reported issuing 609 violations in 2025, with financial penalties exceeding SAR 13.8 million (approximately $3.7 million) against airlines, companies, and individuals found in breach of civil aviation regulations.
The breakdown is telling:
- 404 violations against air carriers for non-compliance with GACA instructions, resulting in fines of over SAR 6.7 million
- 136 violations related to passenger rights protection breaches, with penalties exceeding SAR 5 million
- Additional violations involving licensed companies, drone operators, and airline passengers accused of onboard misconduct
What Travelers Should Do
If you’re flying through any Saudi airport — whether on Saudia, flynas, or any international carrier — prepare accordingly:
- Charge your devices before boarding. With power bank use discouraged, make sure your phone and laptop are fully charged at the gate.
- Limit yourself to two power banks. Any extras will need to stay behind.
- Keep them in your carry-on. Never pack power banks in checked baggage — this has long been a rule, but enforcement is stepping up.
- Don’t charge the charger. Even if your seat has a USB port, resist the urge to top up your power bank mid-flight.
The Bigger Picture
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, driven by Vision 2030 tourism targets and the growth of mega-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea development. With passenger volumes surging, GACA is under pressure to ensure safety standards keep pace — and the power bank rules are a clear signal that the authority intends to enforce them rigorously.
As global aviation bodies continue to grapple with lithium battery risks, don’t be surprised if similar restrictions appear in other jurisdictions. For now, Saudi Arabia is among the first to formally adopt ICAO’s updated guidance — and travelers passing through the Kingdom would do well to take note.