Passengers flying on Air Busan will no longer be allowed to pack power banks into their carry-ons after the South Korean airline enacted a “pre-emptive measure” to beef up passenger and aircraft safety.
This is in response to a fire incident that broke out on 28 January 2025, which was suspected to have broken out due to a power bank stowed in an overhead bin. While no one was hurt in the incident, the aircraft did suffer significant damage.
Most airlines currently list power banks on their list of prohibited check-in items, but Air Busan is the first to restrict passengers from including it in their hand luggage.
Warren Chim Wing-nin, deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ aircraft division, noted that Air Busan's decision is more stringent than current international practices. He acknowledged that the move could reduce fire risks but questioned whether it was proportionate or practical.
He added that whether the restriction should be adopted by other airlines would depend on further risk assessments conducted by trade groups such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and individual carriers.