Travelers from Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam flying with Air Busan must take note of the airline’s new portable charger ban, which introduces stricter safety measures for carry-on luggage. Following a mid-flight fire on January 28, reportedly caused by a power bank, Air Busan has prohibited passengers from storing portable chargers in overhead compartments. Instead, travelers must keep them on their person or in under-seat bags to reduce fire risks. While many airlines already ban power banks in checked luggage, Air Busan is the first to tighten restrictions on carry-ons. With fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries becoming a growing concern, passengers should stay updated on evolving airline safety policies before their next flight.
Air Busan Becomes First Airline to Ban Portable Chargers After Shocking Plane Fire
In a bold move to enhance passenger safety, Air Busan has become the first airline to ban portable chargers from carry-on luggage after a terrifying mid-flight fire.
The decision comes after a January 28 incident, where a portable charger caught fire onboard a plane carrying 176 passengers. The blaze forced a full-scale evacuation, and while everyone escaped unharmed, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
What This Means for Travelers
Under the new rule, passengers can no longer store power banks in overhead compartments. Instead, they must keep them on their person or in under-seat bags.
This is a preemptive measure aimed at minimizing fire risks—and it could be the first step toward broader industry-wide restrictions.
Travelers flying with Air Busan on routes between South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Vietnam must now comply with a new portable charger restriction. Following a mid-flight fire on January 28, Air Busan has banned storing power banks in overhead compartments, requiring passengers to keep them on their person or in under-seat bags. This rule affects flights connecting cities like Busan, Seoul, Incheon, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Qingdao, Xi’an, Taipei, Ulaanbaatar, and more. As other airlines consider similar policies, travelers should stay updated on changing safety regulations before their next flight.
Why Portable Chargers Are a Growing Concern
Most airlines already ban power banks from checked baggage, but they still allow them in carry-ons. For example, Ryanair permits up to two spare lithium-ion batteries, provided they are individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Will Other Airlines Follow Air Busan’s Lead?
With the rise in battery-related incidents, Air Busan’s move could set a new precedent. Other airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, are reportedly reviewing their policies in light of the recent fire.
For travelers, this means staying updated on airline regulations before flying. If other airlines adopt similar bans, you’ll need to be extra cautious about where you store your power bank.
What You Need to Do Now
- Check your airline’s power bank policy before packing.
- Keep power banks in your pocket or under-seat bag—never in the overhead bin.
- Use protective cases or sleeves to prevent short circuits.
As safety concerns grow, this could be the first of many new travel rules. Would you support a wider ban on power banks in carry-on luggage? Let us know your thoughts!
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