Power Bank Safety on Aircraft: Lessons from the Air Busan Fire

The Rising Concern Over Power Bank Safety on Aircraft

The recent fire on an Air Busan aircraft bound for Hong Kong has reignited concerns over the safety of power banks and other lithium-ion battery devices on flights. The incident, which occurred on January 28, 2025, at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea, injured seven people and forced the evacuation of 169 passengers and crew members. The suspected cause? A power bank stowed in an overhead locker. This event has prompted Air Busan to implement stricter regulations, banning the storage of power banks in overhead bins. But is this enough to ensure passenger safety, or is it merely a reactive measure?

Power banks have become an essential travel accessory, allowing passengers to charge their devices during long flights. However, their lithium-ion batteries pose significant safety risks, including the potential for overheating, short-circuiting, and even explosions. The aviation industry has long grappled with how to manage these risks, balancing convenience with safety. The Air Busan incident underscores the urgent need for stricter global standards and enforcement to prevent similar accidents in the future.

This article delves into the details of the Air Busan incident, explores the broader implications for the aviation industry, and examines expert recommendations for mitigating the risks associated with power banks on flights. We’ll also discuss the regulatory framework governing lithium-ion batteries on aircraft and the steps airlines can take to enhance passenger safety.

The Air Busan Incident: A Wake-Up Call

The fire on the Air Busan Airbus A321 was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. According to local media reports, the blaze was likely caused by a power bank stored in an overhead locker. The fire broke out just before takeoff, leading to the evacuation of all passengers and crew via inflatable slides. Seven people were injured, with one passenger remaining hospitalized. The incident has prompted Air Busan to ban the storage of power banks in overhead bins, requiring passengers to keep them in zipper storage bags under their seats or in seat pockets.

This measure, while precautionary, is more restrictive than existing international practices. Warren Chim Wing-nin, deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ aircraft division, noted that the ban is a response to the recent accident but may not be necessary for all airlines. He emphasized the importance of further risk assessments by trade groups and carriers before expanding such measures globally.

The Air Busan incident is not an isolated case. In 2023, a power bank exploded on a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore to Taipei, injuring two passengers. These incidents highlight the need for stricter safety protocols and better enforcement of existing regulations to prevent future accidents.

“Passengers should check their power banks to ensure they are in good condition and avoid bringing old ones on board. The internal insulator or wires inside older power banks could wear down over time, which could cause a short circuit and create a fire.” – Lo Kok-keung, retired engineering professor

Regulatory Framework and Industry Response

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have established guidelines for the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries on aircraft. Power banks are classified as “spare lithium batteries” and are prohibited from checked luggage. They must be carried on board, with specific restrictions based on their watt-hour (Wh) rating. For instance, power banks with a Wh rating exceeding 100Wh are subject to additional limitations.

Hong Kong carriers like Cathay Pacific Airways and HK Express allow up to 20 spare batteries under 100Wh on board, while devices between 100Wh and 160Wh are limited to two. However, the implementation and enforcement of these guidelines vary significantly between airlines and regions. The Air Busan incident has prompted calls for stricter global standards and better enforcement to ensure consistent safety measures across the industry.

In response to the incident, Air Busan has implemented stricter rules regarding the storage of power banks on its flights. Other South Korean airlines, such as Eastar Jet, have also banned the storage of battery packs in overhead bins. These measures are part of a broader trend towards stricter regulation and safety protocols for portable electronic devices on flights.

Expert Recommendations for Passenger Safety

Experts like Lo Kok-keung and Warren Chim Wing-nin have offered several recommendations for passengers to minimize the risks associated with power banks on flights. Passengers should ensure their power banks are in good condition and from reputable brands. Older power banks are more prone to internal wear and tear, which can lead to short circuits and fires. Passengers should also keep power banks in their possession rather than stowing them away and avoid using them during flights.

Choi In-chan, a safety expert, suggests that airlines should check for portable chargers at the check-in counter and provide passengers with plastic bags to store them. This would allow cabin crew to easily monitor the status of power banks during the flight. Additionally, airlines should keep a list of passengers with charging devices to ensure proper oversight and management.

These recommendations, if implemented, could significantly reduce the risks associated with power banks on flights. However, they also highlight the need for better education and awareness among passengers about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries.

Conclusion

The Air Busan incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by power banks and other lithium-ion battery devices on aircraft. While the airline’s decision to ban the storage of power banks in overhead bins is a step in the right direction, it is not a comprehensive solution. The aviation industry must adopt stricter global standards and better enforcement of existing regulations to ensure consistent safety measures across all airlines.

Passengers also have a role to play in minimizing these risks. By following expert recommendations and being mindful of the condition and storage of their power banks, they can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer travel experience for everyone. As the use of portable electronic devices continues to grow, the industry must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the safety challenges they present.

FAQ

Question: Why are power banks banned from checked luggage?
Answer: Power banks are classified as “spare lithium batteries” and are prohibited from checked luggage due to the risk of overheating, short-circuiting, and explosions. They must be carried on board to allow for quick detection and handling of any issues.

Question: What should passengers do to ensure their power banks are safe?
Answer: Passengers should ensure their power banks are in good condition, from reputable brands, and avoid bringing old ones on board. They should also keep power banks in their possession and avoid using them during flights.

Question: Are other airlines likely to adopt similar measures?
Answer: It depends on further risk assessments by trade groups and carriers. While Air Busan’s ban is a precautionary measure, other airlines may wait for more data before implementing similar restrictions.

Sources: South China Morning Post, Bangkok Post, Korea Herald, Aero News Journal, The Street