These devices will no longer be allowed in overhead compartments or checked luggage (Image: Getty)
Air Busan has become the first to prohibit portable chargers in overhead bins following a serious incident on-board. On January 28, a fire broke out on a plane preparing for take-off from South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport, leading to the evacuation of 176 passengers and crew members.
Passengers and crew were forced to exit the plane onto the runway via inflatable slides, with seven injuries reported during the chaos. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, it is widely believed to have been sparked by a portable battery charger. A flight attendant noticed the fire just before take-off and raised the alarm, leading to the evacuation of the plane.
As reported by , South Korea now intends to extend this ban to other airlines within the country. This would require passengers carrying portable battery charges or devices such as e-cigarettes to store them under their seat or in their pockets.
These types of devices are already prohibited in checked luggage due to the risk of a serious fire caused by a malfunction.
The new regulations also restrict the number of these devices that a passenger can carry. Up to five devices up to 100-watt-hours (wh) are permitted, but no devices exceeding 160wh will be allowed on board.
Additionally, passengers will be prohibited from charging their portable battery packs while on-board the plane, and stringent security checks will be implemented at South Korean airports to ensure all devices comply with the new safety standards.
Other nations are also exploring methods to mitigate the risks posed by battery devices to passengers. The Federal Aviation Authority () has recorded 518 lithium battery air incidents on US airlines since 2006, resulting in smoke, fire, or extreme heat, with most of them caused by a battery pack or battery. E-cigarettes and other vape devices were the second largest cause of these incidents.
While there’s no sign that the USA will impose an outright ban, safety groups have called for an evaluation of the safest way to transport these devices on board, as the dependence on phones and laptops has led to an increased number being carried on-board planes.
This development comes as many airlines, such as Ryanair, aim to reduce their check-in desks and promote the use of mobile boarding passes. This would make it more important than ever for travellers to keep their smartphones charged throughout their journey.