SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Korean Air and four other airlines affiliated with Hanjin Group will ban the use of portable power banks on board their aircraft from Jan. 26, the group said on Friday, citing safety concerns.
Under the revised policy, passengers on domestic and international flights operated by Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul will be prohibited from using power banks to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and cameras during flights.
Power banks will continue to be permitted in carry-on luggage, subject to existing restrictions on capacity and quantity. However, passengers must take measures to prevent short circuits before boarding, including covering terminals with insulating tape or placing each device in a separate plastic bag or individual pouch.
Once on board, power banks must be kept within reach of the passenger, either on their person or in a seat pocket or under the seat in front. Storing power banks in overhead bins will be prohibited, as it could delay a response to signs of overheating and increase the risk of serious incidents, Hanjin said.
The five carriers will inform passengers of the new rules through their official websites and mobile applications, notices at airport check-in counters, and alerts via KakaoTalk. Repeated announcements will also be made at boarding gates and during flights to reduce confusion.
The decision follows a series of in-flight fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries in portable power banks, prompting airlines and regulators worldwide to tighten carry-on safety standards.
A Korean Air official said the ban was an unavoidable measure to ensure safe flight operations and urged passengers to cooperate.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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