According to Yonhap News Agency, due to a series of incidents in Korea and abroad where power banks (external chargers) have caught fire, Korean airlines are further tightening related regulations. All airlines will now completely prohibit the use of power banks inside aircraft cabins to prevent the risks of fire and explosion.
In October last year, an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon was forced to make an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong Airport due to a power bank catching fire; on January 8 this year, an Asiana Airlines flight from Incheon to Hong Kong experienced a power bank fire incident onboard. On the night of January 28 last year, a Busan Air flight scheduled to depart from Busan's Gimhae Airport to Hong Kong caught fire in the tail section, an incident involving a power bank placed in the overhead luggage rack.
All 11 Airlines Completely Ban Usage
Earlier, budget airline T’way Air announced that starting from the 23rd of this month, using power banks to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices will be prohibited onboard. Passengers may still carry power banks when boarding, but must either cover the power bank interface with insulating tape, store it in a plastic bag or separate pouch to prevent short circuits, and place it somewhere visible such as in the front seat pocket.
As of now, all 11 passenger airlines in South Korea will have completely banned the use of power banks onboard.