Air Busan has taken swift action to prioritize passenger safety by implementing the world's first total ban on power banks from hand luggage following a significant fire event on one of its flights. The announcement came after emergency procedures were deployed on January 28, 2025, when flames erupted from the rear of the aircraft shortly before take-off from Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea.
The airline's decision marks a groundbreaking change, aimed at preventing potential accidents caused by portable chargers, which have been under scrutiny due to their fire risks on flights. While many airlines previously restricted power banks only from checked luggage, Air Busan's new regulations mean passengers must now keep these devices on their person or stowed under-seat, rather than tucked away in overhead compartments.
The fire incident, which forced the evacuation of 176 passengers and crew members, saw no major injuries result from the event. A flight attendant first reported the fire, prompting immediate and effective evacuation procedures, though reports indicate four individuals sustained minor injuries during the emergency. The imposing flames caused irreparable damage to the aircraft, leading investigators to suspect the fire stemmed from a power bank, igniting serious discussions around luggage safety protocols.
Lo Kok-keung, a retired engineering professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has voiced his concerns over the dangers presented by lithium-ion batteries, stating, "If it creates a short circuit it can create high temperature and burn the internal materials and create a fire which can burn clothing in the baggage." These insights echo the long-standing worries surrounding the storage of such gadgets at high altitudes.
Beyond Air Busan's innovative move, experts suggest other airlines are now under pressure to review their own policies concerning power banks and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices. With aviation safety increasingly at the forefront of travel discourse, Standardized protocols for transporting batteries on flights have been called for, particularly as portable chargers have become commonplace among travelers.
Kim Kwang-il, a professor at the Department of Aeronautical Science and Flight Operation at Silla University, noted, "While each airline has its own rules for transporting batteries onboard, the lack of consistency..." This variance can lead to potential hazards on international flights, where differing policies could pose threats to passenger safety.
Many other airline carriers currently maintain restrictions on passengers carrying power banks: Ryanair, for example, allows customers to bring no more than two spare lithium-ion batteries, provided they are safeguarded to prevent short circuits. Other airlines have issued direct warnings against retrieving lost mobile devices from seats mid-flight to mitigate the potential for safety threats, illustrating how recent incidents have influenced air travel protocols. Affected airlines include United Airlines and Delta Airlines, which reported incidents of phones catching fire after falling out of reach.
The overarching goal of these adjustments is clear: Enhance the safety measures surrounding air travel, creating more secure conditions for both passengers and crew. While it may be inconvenient for those who rely on portable charging devices, safety must come first; travelers are urged to comply with the regulations to avoid complications during their flights.
The new policy implemented by Air Busan signifies not just immediate protective measures but also the potential for systematic shifts within the airline industry. With calls for unified regulations becoming louder, it remains to be seen whether other airlines will follow suit and adapt their rules surrounding the usage and storage of power banks and related devices.
Overall, Air Busan's proactive measures portray the airline as committed to passenger safety and the transparent management of fire risks associated with portable electronic devices. It remains to be seen how these recommendations will be received by the wider aviation community, especially as air travel continues to integrate modern technology with growing caution.