IATA launches campaign to raise awareness of lithium batteries risks on board aircrafts

Ashraf Al-Hadidi , Friday 17 Oct 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched an international campaign titled "Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries" to enhance aviation safety.

The campaign aims to guide passengers on safely handling all electronic devices on board, particularly phones, laptops, and lithium battery chargers, as improper handling of these devices could threaten aviation safety and security.

IATA will publish the campaign's details on its website and all social media platforms. The campaign's content will be available as an asset to airlines, airports, and other partners in the travel ecosystem.

IATA explained that it would launch the campaign in multiple languages through digital assets that airlines and other partners can share with passengers. Airlines and airports can also use a short animated video designed to make the rules simple, engaging, and memorable on their digital and social channels. The campaign will also be available for display in various media outlets.

Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, said lithium-powered electronic devices are "safe" when handled correctly, but can become a "danger" if damaged or mishandled.

He explained that as more and more passengers travel with these devices, the "Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries" campaign will help airlines educate their passengers on the simple rules they should keep in mind when travelling with electronic devices.

A recent IATA survey showed that most passengers travel with lithium-powered electronic devices. According to the study, 83 percent of passengers carry a mobile phone, 60 percent carry a laptop, and 44 percent carry a power bank for additional charging.

The study indicates that 93 percent of passengers consider themselves aware of the rules for carrying lithium-powered devices. Although 50 percent of travellers believe it's acceptable to carry small lithium-powered devices in checked baggage, this practice is common and dangerous.

Another common misconception is the belief of 45 percent of travellers that they can carry power banks in checked baggage, as well as the misconception, prevalent among 33 percent of travellers, that there is no limit on the charging time of power banks or spare batteries.