South Korean airline bans power banks in overhead luggage
A South Korean airline is introducing a ban on carrying power banks in hand luggage. This follows a fire on one of their planes on the runway in January.
Air Busan, a South Korean airline, has announced a restriction on carrying power banks in hand luggage stored in the overhead compartments. This decision is a response to a fire that destroyed one of their planes on the runway.
Ban on power banks
The ban will take effect on Friday, 7 February this year on trial routes and will subsequently cover all flights. Its aim is to enable quick detection and response to any issues such as overheating, smoke, or fire.
Passengers will be permitted to carry power banks on their person (e.g., in a pocket or small pouch), which will allow for immediate action if problems arise.
Air Busan also plans to introduce additional crew training and equip aircraft with enhanced firefighting equipment. This is in response to the increasing number of incidents involving power banks overheating, which can lead to dangerous situations on board.
South Korea calls for aviation changes
The fire that broke out on 28 January during preparations for a flight to Hong Kong was spotted by a flight attendant at the rear of the plane. Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated safely, and no tragedy occurred, although three people sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, the fire spread quickly enough for the plane to be severely damaged.
Following two serious aviation incidents in a month, including the Jeju Air crash, South Korea is planning a thorough reform of the aviation safety system. A new commission, comprising experts from the private sector, will address issues such as aircraft maintenance, usage, and airport infrastructure.
As a result of the Jeju Air disaster, in which 179 people died, the authorities have announced changes in airport construction nationwide. The preliminary investigation revealed that bird strikes damaged the plane's engines, causing the accident.
