Turkey May Ban Power Banks on Flights After Fire Risk Incident
Turkey is considering a ban on portable chargers, or power banks, on flights due to increasing safety concerns, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. The announcement follows a recent incident on an Asiana Airlines flight from Istanbul to Seoul that had to return mid-air after a passenger’s power bank became wedged between seats and could not be retrieved.
“This incident underscores the critical importance of flight safety,” Uraloğlu stated. He emphasized that lithium batteries—commonly found in power banks, laptops, phones, and e-cigarettes—can overheat, catch fire, or emit smoke if damaged or improperly handled.
Highlighting the fire risk when power banks are crushed or compressed, Uraloğlu stressed that all onboard electronics must comply with international aviation safety standards. He cited a January incident in South Korea where a power bank triggered a fire that destroyed an aircraft.
To prevent similar incidents, Turkish airlines have been advised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to consider banning the use of portable chargers during flights. If implemented, the measure would align with stricter international regulations on lithium battery-powered devices.
South Korea recently revised its rules, now requiring passengers to carry batteries and e-cigarettes in personal items rather than overhead bins and prohibiting charging during flights.
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, global reports of lithium battery overheating incidents on aircraft surged in 2023, averaging three every two weeks, compared to less than one per week in 2018. Turkey’s move would reflect growing international efforts to reduce these risks.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, dailysabah.com