Korean Air, along its subsidiaries Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, have banned in-flight use of power banks from January 26. The airline group said this was part of its “enhanced safety measures”.
The regulations still allow power banks to be carried into the cabin so long as they comply with existing regulations on capacity and quantity, but the use and charging of them onboard is “strictly prohibited”.
The company said passengers must cover metal charging ports with electrical tape or place each battery pack in separate plastic bag or pouch to prevent short circuits.
“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,” said a Korean Air representative. “Korean Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers.”
Prior to this decision, Korean Air and the other Hanjin airlines had implemented preventive measures in line with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport policies.
These include providing insulation tape for short-circuit prevention at check-in counters and boarding gates, equipping aircraft with fire-containment bags, and attaching temperature-sensitive stickers to overhead bins for quicker overheating detection.
Cabin crew training has also been enhanced with specialized drills for power bank fire scenarios in addition to standard fire response training.