Powerbanks have become a major safety concern in aviation, and a recent terrifying incident has pushed airlines to take action. On a flight in South Korea, a passenger’s powerbank caught fire mid-air, sparking panic. Thankfully, the fire was quickly extinguished, and all passengers were safely evacuated. In response, multiple airlines have tightened restrictions on carrying powerbanks onboard, and global aviation authorities are now reconsidering their policies. What does this mean for travelers? Here are the details!
South Korea Bans Powerbanks on Flights After Scary Fire Incident
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A landmark decision was made following a tragic incident in South Korea.
At Gimhae Airport, a fire broke out on an Air Busan Airbus A321 due to a passenger’s power bank catching fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, and all 169 passengers and 7 crew members were safely evacuated. However, the incident raised significant safety concernswithin the aviation industry. As a result, for the first time, a ban on carrying and transporting power banks on airplanes has been introduced.
Banned from Overhead Compartments
According to a Sputnik report, South Korea’s Ministry of Transport has banned power banks from being stored in overhead compartments on aircraft. The ministry announced that passengers may only carry power banks in their hand luggage and that their use during flights is completely prohibited. This new regulation has already been adopted by several Asian airlines, including Air Busan, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air.
Power Banks Prohibited on Planes
Aviation authorities worldwide have set specific criteria regarding which power banks can and cannot be carried on planes:
Power banks up to 100 Wh can be carried in hand luggage and are generally allowed for use during flights.
Power banks between 100 Wh and 300 Wh can only be carried in hand luggage, but most airlines limit them to one per passenger and do not allow their use during the flight.
Power banks exceeding 300 Wh are classified as hazardous materials and are usually banned from aircraft cabins. They can only be transported in cargo, but most airlines prohibit them entirely.