Hong Kong carriers have pledged to comply with the Civil Aviation Department’s (CAD) ban on using power banks inflight, which will take effect on April 7.

On Monday, the civil aviation regulator updated its regulations updated its regulations, barring passengers on local airlines from using power banks to charge electronic devices or other power banks on board. Additionally, power banks must not be stored in overhead luggage compartments.

The new regulations follow an incident in which a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province to Hong Kong was forced to divert to Fuzhou in Fujian province last Thursday due to a cabin fire suspected to have been caused by a power bank.

In a statement, the department said it is “highly concerned” about recent safety incidents linked to lithium battery power banks on aircraft.

On Jan 28, a portable power bank reportedly caught fire aboard an Air Busan flight at Gimhae International Airport, South Korea, as the plane was preparing to depart for Hong Kong.

In response to media inquiries, Hong Kong Airlines, the carrier involved in last week’s emergency landing, said its existing policy already requires spare lithium batteries and external chargers to be switched off and prohibits their use inflight.

READ MORE: Hong Kong Airlines flight diverted due to suspected fire

“To further enhance aviation safety, we will strictly enforce CAD’s updated regulations, which mandate that power banks be carried on-person and not placed in overhead luggage compartments,” the airline said.

Cathay Pacific Airways emphasized its commitment to aviation safety, stating it “supports measures to mitigate risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices”.

The airline added that it will work closely with regulators and “ensure clear communication of these changes to customers”, reaffirming that “safety guides every decision we make”.

HK Express, a Cathay subsidiary, said it recognizes the importance of continuously enhancing aviation safety and supports the adoption of measures that can reduce the risks associated with the use of lithium battery equipment, adding that it will announce details about the implementation of the new regulations in a timely manner.

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Greater Bay Airlines noted that its current requirements on power banks comply with the International Air Transport Association’s guidelines, and the airline will update the information on the new requirements issued by the department on the company’s website.

“Our check-in counter staff and cabin crew will remind passengers of the new requirements and inflight announcements will also be made. We will fully cooperate and communicate closely with CAD,” it said.