Korean Air Bans Use of Portable Batteries on Board Starting Next Week

Korean Air and four other airlines under the Hanjin Group will ban the use of portable batteries on board from Monday, as part of an anticipatory measure to prevent fire accidents caused by lithium-ion power banks, the airline said on Friday.

Based on the updated safety policy, passengers will not be allowed to use portable power banks while on board any flight operated not only by Korean Air, but also by Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul.

Power banks can be brought into the cabin, but their use and charging are strictly prohibited, quoted from The Korea Times January 23.

Passengers must also cover the metal charging port with electrical tape or place each battery in a plastic bag or separate bag to prevent possible short circuits.

Starting next week, all batteries must also be stored in a seat-back pocket or under a front seat, and never stored in the overhead bin, according to the new safety rule.

"The ban on the use of power banks on board the aircraft is a necessary step to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety, and the cooperation of passengers is very important," said a Korean Air official.

"Korea Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure, and comfortable travel experience for all customers," he concluded.

This latest decision was taken amid growing safety concerns related to portable batteries, as there are constant reports of fires in aircraft caused by power banks.

January last year, an Air Busan passenger plane caught fire before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in the southern city of Busan. A battery pack placed in the upper cabin compartment was identified as the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, the global aviation industry has tightened cabin regulations on power banks to ensure flight safety.

Previously, Korean Air and other Hanjin Group airlines had implemented fire prevention measures in accordance with the policy of the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. These measures include providing insulation tape to prevent short circuits at check-in counters and departure gates.

Other measures include the installation of temperature-sensitive stickers on the upper compartment for faster detection of excess heat.

Cabin crew also undergo special training on the scenario of a power bank fire, developing a faster response to potential fires on board.