South Korean Airlines Implement Strict Ban on In-Flight Power Bank Use
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, South Korean carriers have moved decisively to enhance aviation safety by banning the use of portable power banks while airborne. This decision comes in response to multiple documented fire incidents linked to these lithium-ion devices aboard aircraft.
T’way Air formally announced that starting Monday, passengers will be forbidden from using their power banks to charge personal electronics, including mobile phones, during any stage of the flight. The recharging of the power banks themselves is also strictly prohibited in the cabin. Passengers needing to power devices are advised to utilize the onboard power outlets installed in the seats, where available. For flights lacking such amenities, travelers are encouraged to ensure their electronic devices are fully charged before boarding.
Under the new guidelines, carrying power banks in carry-on luggage remains permitted, provided specific safety measures are observed. The terminals of the power banks must be covered with electrical insulating tape, or each individual battery must be stored in a separate plastic bag or protective casing. Furthermore, these batteries must be kept in the seat pocket directly in front of the passenger throughout the duration of the flight; storage in overhead compartments is expressly forbidden.
With T’way Air’s compliance, all eleven passenger airlines operating in South Korea have now enforced the in-flight usage ban. Eastar Jet formalized this policy this year after completing a three-month trial period that began last October. Jeju Air adopted the regulations on January 22nd. Five subsidiaries of the Hanjin Group—Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul—implemented the prohibition starting January 26th. Air Premia and Aero K followed suit on February 1st, while Parata Air has maintained this restriction since commencing operations last September.
This sector-wide tightening of rules follows serious safety breaches, including a significant incident in January of last year when a power bank ignited on an Air Busan aircraft while preparing for takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, leading to the complete loss of the aircraft, alongside other similar occurrences.
Reports from the Korea JoongAng Daily indicate that international carriers are also adopting similar, stringent measures globally. Germany’s Lufthansa banned in-flight power bank use starting January 15th, and Emirates airline imposed a comprehensive ban beginning last October. Japan is reportedly considering the implementation of comparable regulations for departing flights starting in April.
