Five Korean airlines will ban the use of in-flight power banks from 26 January 2026, as part of enhanced safety measures aimed at reducing the risk of in-flight fires.
Under the new policy, passengers flying with Korean Air and four Hanjin Group airlines – Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul – are prohibited from using power banks to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops or cameras on board any flight operated by the five airlines.
Passengers may still carry power banks on board, but usage while in the air will be prohibited.
Additional precautions will also apply before boarding. Passengers are required to cover exposed metal charging ports with electrical tape, or store each power bank individually in a plastic bag or protective pouch to prevent short-circuiting. Similar measures are already enforced by Jeju Air.
Most airlines currently list power banks on their list of prohibited check-in items, but with in-flight fire accidents involving lithium-ion power banks occurring more frequently, the five brands join a growing number of airlines implementing this rule.
Air Busan banned passengers from including it in their hand luggage in February last year.
Related: Stop charging your phones on flights with power banks