South Korea to ban power banks in overhead bins in domestic flights

SEOUL - Passengers travelling on South Korean airlines will be banned from storing portable battery banks (power banks) and e-cigarettes in overhead storage compartments starting next month, the government said on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the new lithium-ion battery and e-cigarette safety standards for domestic airlines, which will take effect on March 1.

The measures were introduced in response to a major fire incident aboard an Air Busan aircraft before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in Busan last month.

During flights, battery banks and e-cigarettes must be placed in clear plastic bags or protective pouches, or have exposed terminals covered, and should be stored in seat pockets or coat pockets, the ministry said.

Officials said the changes are a pre-emptive measure to address public safety concerns regarding battery-related fire risks on planes.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, but some passengers and crew members have raised the possibility that the fire was started by a portable battery or other items stored in an overhead bin.

Additionally, passengers will be prohibited from charging power banks or electronic cigarettes using USB ports installed on airplane seats.

Electronic devices with built-in batteries, such as mobile phones and laptops, will not be subject to the new rules, as they have built-in short-circuit prevention mechanisms.

The ministry said it plans to recommend that the enhanced regulations be applied to foreign airlines in the future as well. - BERNAMA