Airline Enforces World-First Global Ban on Widely-Used Travel Device
Air Busan has banned portable power banks from hand luggage following a fire incident.
South Korea’s Air Busan has become the first airline globally to ban power banks in hand luggage after a fire erupted on one of its planes in January 2025. Passengers must now keep portable chargers on their person or in under-seat bags—a move the airline calls a “preemptive safety measure.”
Fire Sparks New Policy
The blaze broke out on January 28 aboard a Hong Kong-bound flight at Gimhae International Airport in Busan. All 176 passengers and crew evacuated safely, though four sustained minor injuries. Investigators suspect a power bank may have ignited the fire, but the cause remains under review.
The Air Busan plane caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in January 2025.
Most airlines already prohibit power banks in checked luggage due to lithium-ion battery risks, which can overheat and cause cargo fires. Air Busan’s new rule, however, targets cabin storage to prevent in-flight emergencies.
South Korea’s Aviation Challenges
The incident follows South Korea’s deadliest air disaster in December 2024, when a Jeju Air flight crash-landed in Muan, killing 179. The Boeing jet’s landing gear malfunctioned before bursting into flames. Footage showed explosions mid-descent, and the aircraft’s black boxes stopped recording minutes before impact.
Jeju Air’s CEO publicly apologized, stating: “We express deepest condolences to the victims’ families.” The crash raised questions about airline safety protocols in the country.
Global Airline Policies
Other carriers, including major U.S. and European airlines, restrict power banks to carry-ons but allow them in hand luggage. Air Busan’s total cabin ban sets a new precedent. The airline emphasized that the policy prioritizes passenger safety while investigations continue.
Firefighters extinguished the Air Busan plane fire. All passengers evacuated safely.
Travelers are advised to review airline rules before flying, as regulations around lithium-ion devices tighten globally. Air Busan’s bold move highlights growing concerns over in-flight fire risks linked to personal electronics.
Read more aviation updates: Daily Mail Travel.
Published: 15:59 GMT, 6 February 2025 | Updated: 16:07 GMT, 6 February 2025
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Images: 3 key visuals highlighting the fire incident and policy change.
