Russian Aviation Officials Weigh Power Bank Rules After In-Flight Incident

Russian aviation authorities have clarified that a total ban on carrying portable power banks aboard aircraft is not currently planned. The statement from Rosaviatsia, the federal air transport agency, comes in response to a recent proposal from one of its regional offices. The discussion follows an investigation into an incident on a Ural Airlines flight in February 2026, where a passenger's power bank overheated and burst, resulting in a thumb burn.

In an official communication, Rosaviatsia emphasized that the regional commission's suggestion is advisory. The agency noted that restrictions for carrying such devices in cabin baggage are already in place, governed by international standards for transporting dangerous goods by air, as well as individual airline policies.

The regional proposal, which was sent to the Ministry of Transport, urged federal authorities to examine the issue more closely, citing repeated incidents involving the devices. However, the national regulator's response indicates no immediate move toward an outright prohibition. Instead, the focus remains on enforcing existing safety regulations designed to manage the risks associated with lithium batteries carried by passengers.