SEOUL: Korean Air Lines Co, South Korea's flag carrier, and its four affiliate airlines will ban the in-flight use of power banks starting next week amid growing safety concerns, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Hanjin Group on Friday (Jan 23).
The top carrier and its four sister airlines -- Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul -- will ban travellers from charging smartphones and other electronic devices with power banks during flights starting Monday, the group said in a release.
Hanjin Group said while passengers are allowed to bring power banks into the cabin, they must be kept in a separate pouch, stored within personal reach and not placed in overhead bins.
"The ban on the in-flight use of power banks is a necessary measure to ensure the highest standards of flight safety, and passenger cooperation is essential," the company said in the release.
"Korean Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers," it added.
In October, South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet Co. became the country's first airline to ban the in-flight use of power banks. Jeju Air Co., another budget carrier, adopted the policy this week.
Concerns over in-flight battery bank usage have increased after a major fire incident involving an Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, some 330 kilometres southeast of Seoul, in January 2025. - Bernama-Yonhap
