Airline imposes power bank ban after runway fire incident
An airline from South Korea is introducing a ban on carrying power banks in carry-on luggage. This is a consequence of a plane fire on the runway in January.
Air Busan, a South Korean airline, has announced a ban on carrying power banks in carry-on luggage placed in the overhead bins. This decision is in response to a fire that destroyed one of their planes on the runway.
Power bank ban
This ban will take effect on Friday, February 7, on trial routes and then apply to all flights. It aims to quickly detect and respond to potential overheating, smoke, or fire.
Passengers will only be allowed to carry power banks on their person (e.g., in a pocket or small pouch), facilitating immediate action in case of problems.
Air Busan also plans to introduce additional crew training and equip planes with firefighting equipment. This is in response to the growing number of power bank overheating incidents, which can lead to dangerous situations on board.
South Korea wants changes in aviation
The fire that broke out on January 28 during preparations for a flight to Hong Kong was noticed by a flight attendant at the rear of the plane. Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated, averting a tragedy. Three people sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, the fire spread quickly, causing severe damage to the aircraft.
After two serious aviation incidents within a month, including the Jeju Air plane crash, South Korea plans a thorough reform of the aviation safety system. A new commission, composed of experts from the private sector, will address aircraft maintenance and use, as well as airport infrastructure.
As a result of the Jeju Air disaster, in which 179 people died, authorities announced changes to airport construction across the country. A preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by bird strikes that damaged the plane's engines.
