Airline company Turkish Airlines enforces a ban on smart luggage containing lithium batteries that cannot be easily removed.
Turkish Airlines Implements Strict Ban on Smart Luggage with Non-Removable Lithium Batteries
Turkish Airlines has announced a ban on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries from both carry-on and checked baggage, following safety concerns and recent incidents involving lithium batteries on flights [1][3].
Passengers are advised to remove the lithium battery completely from the smart luggage before the flight and transport it separately inside the cabin baggage, ensuring it is protected from short circuits by using original packaging or special protective bags [3]. The battery must not be reattached to the luggage until reaching the final destination [1]. Smart luggage with non-removable batteries cannot be carried nor checked in [3].
This policy aligns with recommendations from Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation following recent incidents involving lithium batteries on flights [1][3]. The ban applies to devices with integrated lithium batteries used for charging, GPS, Bluetooth, or digital lock functions [1].
For checked baggage scenarios involving smart luggage, the lithium battery must be completely removed and transported separately in the passenger cabin, ensuring the battery remains under direct supervision throughout the flight. Loose lithium batteries carried in cabin baggage must also be placed in their original packaging, have their terminals properly insulated, or be stored in protective plastic bags designed for battery transport to prevent short circuits [2].
The aviation industry has growing concerns about lithium battery safety in aircraft environments due to their potential to overheat and experience thermal runaway, a dangerous condition where batteries can ignite or explode [2]. Turkish Airlines' decision to implement these restrictions reflects broader industry trends, as aviation authorities worldwide prioritize passenger safety amid the increasing proliferation of battery-powered travel accessories and smart luggage systems [4].
The policy change follows a recent incident involving a South Korea-bound flight where a passenger's portable charging device fell during a flight over Kazakhstan airspace, causing a safety concern [5]. Turkish Airlines' new policy comes after the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) issued recommendations to airline companies regarding the prohibition of portable charging devices containing lithium batteries during flights [6].
Turkish Airlines' policy aligns with those of other major international airlines that have implemented similar policies governing lithium battery transport in response to safety recommendations from civil aviation authorities [7]. The airline resumed flights to Syria's Aleppo on August 1 [8], and has also struck its first Islamic lease deal with Dubai Islamic Bank in the business sector [9].
[1] https://www.dgca.gov.tr/media/news/smart-luggage-icat-edilemesi-yasaklandi [2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-airlines-smart-luggage-idUSKBN28C19C [3] https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-intl/information/travel-information/smart-luggage [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50286877 [5] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-airlines-battery-idUSKCN1S113E [6] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-airlines-bans-smart-luggage-with-non-removable-batteries-151460 [7] https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/06/american-airlines-bans-smart-luggage-with-non-removable-batteries.html [8] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-syria-airlines-idUSKCN1VX27C [9] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/414907-turkish-airlines-strikes-first-islamic-lease-deal-with-dubai-islamic-bank
- Turkish Airlines' ban on smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries is in accordance with the recommendations of Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
- The aviation industry, including Turkish Airlines, has growing concerns about lithium battery safety in aircraft environments due to potential overheating and thermal runaway.
- Passengers are advised to remove the lithium battery from their smart luggage before the flight and transport it separately inside the cabin baggage.
- Turkish Airlines' policy against smart luggage with non-removable batteries is similar to that of other major international airlines.
- The ban on portable charging devices containing lithium batteries during flights was issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM).
- Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Syria's Aleppo on August 1 and has also made its first Islamic lease deal with Dubai Islamic Bank in the business sector.
