Air Busan Bans Power Banks in Overhead Bins After Plane Fire

South Korea’s Air Busan has introduced a new policy prohibiting passengers from storing power banks in luggage placed in overhead bins, following a dramatic incident where one of its planes caught fire just before takeoff. The decision was announced on February 4, 2025, and is set to take effect on a trial basis starting February 7 for select routes, with plans to expand to all flights shortly thereafter. The fire, which occurred on January 28, 2025, at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, was first noticed by a flight attendant in an overhead luggage compartment on the rear left-hand side of the aircraft. The plane was preparing for departure to Hong Kong when the incident unfolded, leading to an immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew, who fortunately escaped unharmed. 

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Investigations into the cause of the fire are still underway, with no definitive cause determined. However, the immediate response from Air Busan points to concerns over power banks as potential fire hazards due to their lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, which are common in portable chargers, are known for their high energy density but can ignite if damaged, short-circuited, or improperly handled. Under the new policy, passengers will no longer be permitted to pack power banks in luggage that is stored in overhead bins. Instead, Air Busan has mandated that power banks must be carried with passengers in their personal items. This allows for quicker detection of overheating, smoke, or fires since passengers can immediately notice and alert the crew. At boarding gates, carry-on bags will be inspected to ensure they do not contain power banks; those that pass this check will be tagged and allowed in the overhead compartments.

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This policy change isn't just about preventing another in-flight fire. It's also part of a broader safety initiative by Air Busan. The airline has committed to additional crew fire training and the introduction of more fire containment equipment on board. These measures are in response to an observed increase in incidents involving power banks overheating across the aviation industry. The move by Air Busan aligns with global aviation standards which have long advised caution with lithium batteries. They are not allowed in checked luggage due to the risk of intense fires in the cargo hold where detection and intervention could be delayed. Cabin crew are trained to handle such scenarios with fire extinguishers and thermal containment bags designed to isolate and manage problematic devices.

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The South Korean government, following this and other recent aviation incidents, has signaled its intention to overhaul its aviation safety system. A new committee, including private sector experts, is being formed to review and enhance safety protocols, focusing on maintenance, aircraft utilization rates, and airport operations. This committee aims to address systemic issues that might have contributed to recent aviation mishaps, including the Air Busan incident. Air Busan's decision reflects a proactive approach to aviation safety, emphasizing the protection of passengers and crew over convenience. While it might inconvenience travelers who rely on power banks for their devices, the policy underscores the airline's commitment to safety in an era where personal electronics are increasingly part of the travel experience. This incident and the subsequent policy change serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries in air travel, prompting airlines and passengers alike to reconsider how they handle and store such devices during flights.

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