Major airlines operating from the sultanate too have banned hoverboards on flights due to risk of fires or explosions on board because of their lithium ion batteries.
The Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has issued a circular bringing the ban in force from January 1.
A banner at Muscat International Airport reads, “According to the recommendations of IATA, the carriage of small vehicles/bikes powered by lithium batteries is prohibited in both checked-in and cabin baggages on all flights.
“The safety of our passengers is a priority and the above vehicles will be confiscated at all screening points and before check-in and boarding.”
An OAMC official said these banners have been placed at different points at Muscat, Duqm, Sohar and Salalah airports to make passengers aware of the rule. “It is a regulatory requirement to ensure safety onboard,” the official said.
Oman Air said it puts ‘safety first’ as its main principle and works in line with the international airline safety boards in this regard.
An official from the airline said, “The carrying of hoverboards has been banned onboard and the airline is firm on its stance on safety. There were several passengers who wished to carry this gear onboard and have been asked politely to leave them behind in adherence to rules on this matter. The attached guidelines from IATA on lithium battery-powered vehicles lists clearly all the information needed to take into consideration, as well as the list of airlines committed to this rule.”
Thai Airways’ statement said that it will refuse the carrying of “self balancing personal transportation hoverboards”.
“If found at check-in counters, boarding gates or in transfer baggage, it shall be passengers’ responsibility to dispose of these items prior to boarding. Thai will not provide any storage due to fire risk,” its statement said.
Qatar Airways stated that passenger and crew safety remain its utmost concern and that hoverboards have been added to its list of restricted items following recent reports and new evidence on the boards. “We cannot accept these items as either checked-in baggage or carry-on,” it stated.
An official from Etihad Airways said, “We have received the circular from our head office and will stick with the company policy. This is to safeguard our passengers and cabin crew.”
Mihin Lanka also confirmed that it would not carry any of these devices as checked-in or carry-on baggage.
Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager, Mihin Lanka, said, “We will be following the rule that has been implemented by OAMC and recommended by IATA. These devices are classified as prohibited as they could cause an explosion.”
Source: MuscatDaily