El Al Dreamliner 787-9. Photo: El Al Israel's largest airline, El Al, has followed the example of some of the world's largest companies, imposing a ban on portable chargers on flights. The company joins a long list of airlines that now prohibit the use of portable chargers on flights, which includes Lufthansa, Emirates, Qantas, as well as many Asian airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, and Air Busan.
The update was published on the company's website, under the definitions of permitted hand luggage.
According to the official announcement, "In accordance with updated safety regulations, passengers may bring only one power bank on board, with a capacity not exceeding 100Wh and a clear marking of the Wh rating.
The use of the power bank during the flight is strictly prohibited, and it must not be charged using the aircraft’s power outlets. These measures are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of all passengers."
The airline also stated that portable chargers with a capacity exceeding 100Wh are not approved for flight and that chargers missing a clear marking of the Wh rating will not be approved for boarding the plane.
The primary concern with portable chargers, which are primarily used to charge mobile devices, is that the lithium-ion battery in those chargers could catch fire.
As for the other Israeli airlines, Israir and Arkia still allow the use of portable chargers. Israir allows only one battery to be carried on flights. Air Haifa has prohibited their use since the company opened.