Title: EASA SIB 2025-03 – Raising Awareness on Lithium Battery Risks
Date of Issue: 27 May 2025
Applicability: Aircraft & Aerodrome Operators, Ground Handling, NCAs
Summary of Change
EASA has issued SIB 2025-03 in response to increased incidents involving lithium batteries in passenger baggage. It sets recommendations to enhance safety awareness, crew readiness, and passenger communication, focusing on e-cigarettes, power banks, and PEDs carried by travelers.
Impact on Operators
- Emphasize passenger communication regarding battery restrictions at check-in and boarding gates
- Ensure PEDs with lithium batteries are carried in the cabin, not in checked baggage
- Prohibit e-cigarettes and power banks in checked baggage; advise on safe carry-on handling
- Require crew and ground staff to be trained in lithium battery fire response
- Use clear visual aids and messaging to improve passenger understanding
- Ensure firefighting resources on board are adequate for high-energy battery fires
- Develop reporting procedures for any incidents involving lithium batteries
Affected Manuals
- Operations Manual Part A– Restrictions on lithium batteries, PED handling
- Ground Handling Manual – Passenger awareness at check-in, gate
- Operations Manual Part D – Crew and staff training on fire risks, PED handling
TRS Recommendation
Operators should ensure alignment with ICAO and EASA recommendations, update safety training modules, and enhance visual communication materials for passengers. Staff should be made familiar with the safe handling and risk factors associated with lithium batteries in all relevant flight and ground contexts.
Official Reference
EASA SIB 2025-03