Korean Air and Hanjin Group Ban In‑Flight Power Bank Use to Boost Cabin Safety

Korean Air and four other carriers under the Hanjin Group will ban the in‑flight use of power banks from January 26, tightening cabin safety rules amid rising concerns over lithium‑ion battery fire risks and in‑flight electrical hazards.

The ban applies to flights operated by Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul on domestic and international routes. Under the new policy, passengers will no longer be permitted to use power banks to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or cameras during any phase of flight.

Passengers may still bring power banks on board, but they must comply with existing carry‑on regulations. Devices are subject to capacity and quantity limits — typically no more than five units at 100 watt‑hours per person — and must be protected against short circuits. Insulating tape, separate plastic bags or individual pouches are recommended to prevent exposed terminals from contacting metal surfaces or other batteries.

Once on board, all power banks must be kept within personal reach throughout the flight, either on the passenger’s person, in the seat‑back pocket or under the seat ahead. Storage in overhead bins or in checked luggage is prohibited, reflecting heightened industry focus on rapid detection and intervention in case of abnormal heat or smoke.

The policy update follows a series of fire incidents linked to lithium‑ion batteries in portable power banks, prompting airlines and regulators to reassess cabin safety practices. Aviation authorities have long restricted lithium batteries in checked baggage and imposed limits on carry‑on quantities, but the Korean carriers’ move represents one of the strictest in‑flight usage bans to date.

Safety officials from the Hanjin Group carriers have said that the decision prioritises passenger and crew protection by reducing the potential for battery‑related thermal runaway events in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin. The risk of fire in such conditions can escalate rapidly if a device overheats and is not immediately visible or accessible to crew, which underpins the requirement for passengers to keep power banks within sight.

To ensure compliance, the airlines will inform travellers of the updated rules through official websites, mobile applications, airport check‑in counters, boarding gate announcements and in‑flight reminders. Clear communication is intended to minimise confusion and ensure a smooth transition to the new safety regime.

The move also reflects broader shifts in global aviation safety standards as regulators and operators grapple with the challenge of integrating an ever‑expanding array of portable electronic devices into passenger cabins. Other carriers and national aviation authorities are monitoring the implementation closely, with some already considering similar restrictions.

For passengers, the rule change is likely to affect pre‑flight preparation and in‑flight behaviour, especially for long‑haul travellers who rely on portable chargers to maintain device battery life. Airlines have encouraged passengers to fully charge devices before boarding and to plan for use without power banks in‑flight.

Industry analysts note that while the economic impact of the new restriction is limited, the policy underscores a proactive approach to risk mitigation in cabin environments. Tightening safety protocols around lithium‑ion batteries could reduce the incidence of battery‑related incidents and reinforce confidence in airline safety management systems.

The implementation of the ban from January 26 will be watched closely by regulators and carriers alike as part of ongoing efforts to balance passenger convenience with operational safety in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.