This holiday season, Saudi Arabia travelers should consider packing but just the right way for their electronic devices. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia unveiled new rules for airlines pertaining to the safe use of portable chargers, lithium batteries and onboard electronic devices on flights.
The new rules are in line with revised international aviation safety standards, which have been published by international aviation body the ICAO. The reason is to minimise increasingly found fire hazards associated with lithium-ion battery overheating in air travel.
The changes matter a lot for the passengers for Eid holidays, tourism, business or Umrah who will arrive at the airport.
Lithium ion batteries are found in a variety of power bank, smart phone, laptop, tablet and vape products. They can be helpful, but can become hazardous when used incorrectly, improperly stored, or if they are damaged or over heated.
This has led to an increase in restrictions by aviation regulators around the world after numerous over-heat batteries in flight have occurred worldwide. Saudi authorities have now stepped up enforcement at airports in the Kingdom to mitigate fire hazards onboard and increase passenger safety.
Air carriers that fly to and from Saudi Arabia are now strictly advised to observe these rules pertaining to batteries.
Biggest Change: Charging Power Banks During Flights Is Now Banned
The key change has to do with the actions passengers can take once an aircraft is in flight.
In accordance with the latest GACA ruling, passengers will no longer be able to top up portable power banks on flights. Recharging power banks is also not allowed inside aircraft by the cabin crew members.
Police are also urging travelers, if they can, not to keep their phones or tablets charged with portable batteries or chargers on their person while flying. Rather, in-flight charging ports or seat-back USB outlets are recommended for the use of passengers.
Saudi Arabia’s New Two Power Bank Limit
The most significant update is the two device limit requirement that is now being enforced.
From now on passengers can only bring two portable power banks at their own expense through Saudi airports. If more found in screening of luggage are confiscated, the airport security officers have every right to it.
This measure aims at minimising the amount of high capacity lithium batteries in aircraft cabins.
For travelers with several gadgets for work or photo taking/creativity, it is essential that they pay attention to what they put in their bags before they make their way to the airport.
Power Banks Are Completely Banned From Checked Baggage
In addition, Saudi Arabia has tightened up the ban on power banks and extra lithium batteries in travelling bags.
This rule is based on safety. In the event of a lithium battery evolving over-heating in the aircraft cabin, the flight crew can react instantaneously. Incident situations within the load Bay, however, are far more serious and difficult to manage.
A violation of this policy is subject to delay, deportment, or refusal of boarding and/or disciplinary action.
Maximum two devices. Charging onboard is prohibited.
Laptops & Tablets
Yes
Discouraged
Must be screened separately during security checks.
Spare Lithium Batteries
Yes
No
Battery terminals must be protected or taped.
Electronic Cigarettes/Vapes
Yes
No
Using or charging onboard is prohibited.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Over the last year the aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia have tightened the enforcement of airport inspection processes and digital compliance procedures. Security teams are actively spotlighting battery and controlled electronic device negligent uses.
The rules of GACA may result in a passengers being subjected to:
Confiscation by the time they are handed in.
Additional baggage inspections
Delayed boarding procedures
Denial of boarding
Fines for arriving at the port
Any refusal to follow cabin attendants’ suggestion to charge they might give while onboard could also lead to a complaint for an incident.
Important Advice for Umrah and Eid Travelers
The new bans are coming at a time when travel is at one of its busiest times of the year. Thousands of UAE nationals and foreigners from across the Gulf region are in Saudi Arabia for Eid vacations, tourism and pilgrimages.
Airport traffic is already filled to capacity so people should arrive more early than usual and make sure that any non-power tools and equipment which rely on electricity are packed before they arrive at the security checkpoints.
FAQs
Is it okay to take a power bank on flights to Saudi Arabia?
Power banks will be permitted in hand bags only: yes. Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage.
May I bring how many power banks?
Saudi Arabia’s new aviation rules state that passengers can take up to two power banks.
May the power bank be charged on flight?
No. As per the new GACA regulations, the charging of portable power banks will not be allowed on aircraft.
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