Turkey has introduced new aviation safety rules that ban charging portable chargers, commonly known as power banks, on board aircraft and limit each passenger to carrying two devices.
The changes were announced by the country’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) and apply to flight operations in line with updated international technical instructions issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council on March 27, 2026.
SHGM said the amendments concern the safe transport of dangerous goods by air and focus on portable batteries used by passengers during flights.
Under the new directive, passengers may carry up to 2 portable power banks. Charging power banks during a flight is prohibited.
The authority also said passengers are advised not to use portable batteries to charge portable electronic devices on board aircraft.
The restrictions do not apply to portable batteries carried by crew members for operational purposes. However, crew members carrying power banks for personal use must follow the same passenger rules.
Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which are subject to aviation safety controls worldwide because damaged or overheating batteries can create fire risks.
Many airlines already require portable chargers to be carried in hand luggage rather than checked baggage, while some carriers have introduced additional limits on battery size or onboard use.
The latest move places Turkey among countries tightening oversight of battery-powered devices as air travel continues to grow and passengers carry more personal electronics.
Travelers flying from or within Turkey are advised to check airline hand luggage rules before departure, especially if carrying multiple electronic devices or spare batteries.
