A power bank caught fire and exploded at the Initial Security Screening Checkpoint (ISSCP) of Roxas Airport on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
This was confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which also stated that fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
CAAP thus urges all travelers to review airline and airport safety policies prior to travel to help ensure a safe and secure air transport environment.
According to CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio, the incident happened at 6:36 a.m., when airport personnel detected a 72,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) power bank inside the baggage of a female passenger bound for Manila. The item exceeded the 160 watt-hour allowable capacity for power banks permitted on board an aircraft.
Initially, the passenger reportedly claimed that the power bank had been allowed on her inbound flight from Manila, but eventually agreed to turn the item over to a companion outside the terminal. While arrangements were being made, the power bank suddenly sparked and ignited on the inspection table.
An airport security guard immediately responded and discharged a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames.
Despite the intervention, the power bank exploded shortly thereafter and fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries or significant damage to others.
CAAP commends the swift and effective response of the airport security and Office for Transportation Security (OTS) screening personnel, saying the incident underscores the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations, particularly regarding lithium-ion powered devices such as power banks.
