Korean Air to ban in-flight use of portable batteries

Korean Air will ban the use of portable batteries on board starting Monday. Courtesy of Korean Air

Korean Air and four other airlines under Hanjin Group will ban the in-flight use of portable batteries starting Monday, as part of its preemptive move to prevent fire accidents caused by lithium-ion power banks, the airline said Friday.

Under the updated safety policy, passengers will not be allowed to use portable battery packs while on board any flight operated by not just Korean Air, but Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul.

The power banks can be carried into the cabin, but their use and charging are strictly prohibited. Passengers also must cover metal charging ports with electrical tape or place each battery in a separate plastic bag or pouch to prevent possible short-circuiting.

Starting next week, all batteries should also be kept in the seatback pocket or under the seat in front, never stored in the overhead bins, according to the new safety rule.

“The ban on the in-flight use of power banks is a necessary measure to ensure the highest standards of flight safety, and passenger cooperation is essential,” a Korean Air official said.

“Korea Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers.”

The latest decision came amid growing safety concerns over portable batteries amid continuous reports of in-flight fires caused by power banks.

A burnt Air Busan passenger jet is seen at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Jan. 30, 2025. Courtesy of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

In January last year, a passenger jet from Air Busan caught fire before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in the southern city of Busan. A battery pack placed in the cabin’s overhead bin was identified as the cause of the accident.

The global aviation industry has been strengthening cabin regulations on power banks to ensure flight safety.

Earlier, Korean Air and other Hanjin Group airlines implemented fire-prevention measures in line with policies by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. They included providing insulation tape to prevent short-circuiting at check-in counters and boarding gates.

Other measures included the attachment of temperature-sensitive stickers to overhead bins for quicker detection of overheating.

Cabin crew also underwent special drills on power bank fire scenarios, developing a swifter response to potential in-flight fires.