All Korean Airlines Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks

All Korean passenger airlines will prohibit the in-flight use of portable batteries starting Monday Feb. 23, expanding safety measures following a series of onboard fire incidents linked to power banks.

T’way Air confirmed it will bar passengers from using portable batteries to charge electronic devices, including mobile phones, during flights. The rule also prohibits charging the power banks themselves onboard. Travelers requiring power must rely on in-seat charging ports where available, and are encouraged to fully charge devices before boarding if such ports are not provided.

Although the use of portable batteries is banned during flights, they remain permitted in carry-on baggage under strict handling guidelines. Terminals must be sealed with electrical insulation tape or the batteries must be individually stored in plastic bags or protective pouches. They must remain visible at all times in seat pockets and cannot be placed in overhead bins.

With T’way Air’s decision, all 11 Korean airlines operating passenger services have now adopted the restriction. Eastar Jet formally introduced the measure this year following a three-month pilot program. Jeju Air implemented the ban on Jan. 22. Airlines under Hanjin Group — Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul — have enforced the policy since Jan. 26. Air Premia and Aero K followed on Feb. 1, while Parata Air has applied similar rules since launching operations last September.

The sweeping move follows multiple fire incidents, including a January 2024 blaze aboard an Air Busan aircraft preparing for departure at Gimhae International Airport that destroyed the aircraft. Additional cases were reported on an Air China flight diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, as well as separate Asiana and T’way services earlier this year.

International carriers are also tightening restrictions. Lufthansa introduced a similar ban in January, while Emirates has enforced one since October. Japan is preparing to implement comparable measures on outbound flights in April.

Airlines acknowledge the policy may inconvenience passengers, particularly on low-cost carriers lacking onboard charging ports. However, industry officials stress that lithium battery fires pose significant safety risks, making preventive action essential until improved onboard charging infrastructure becomes standard.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, koreajoongangdaily.joins.com