Air Busan bans power banks in lockers after flight fire

[WORLD] Air Busan has decided to ban passengers from storing power banks in lockers after a fire broke out on one of its aircraft during a Hong Kong-bound flight. The incident, which occurred on a recent flight, raised serious concerns about the safety risks posed by power banks during air travel, particularly in the cargo hold area. The decision by Air Busan, a leading low-cost airline in South Korea, is the latest in a series of safety measures being implemented across the aviation industry to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power most modern portable devices, including smartphones, laptops, and power banks.

On December 12, 2023, a flight from Busan, South Korea, to Hong Kong encountered an unexpected emergency when a fire broke out on board. The fire, which was later traced back to a power bank that had been stored in one of the aircraft's lockers, raised alarm bells about the safety protocols surrounding such devices on flights. The blaze, which was contained quickly by the crew, caused no casualties, but it did highlight the dangers of improperly stored lithium-ion batteries in an airplane.

A statement from Air Busan indicated that the fire started in one of the overhead compartments where a passenger had placed their power bank in the cabin's locker. The power bank, a device commonly used for charging electronic gadgets during travel, caught fire due to a thermal runaway event, which is a well-documented hazard associated with lithium-ion batteries.

"Power banks, while extremely useful for travelers, can pose a significant risk when they overheat or malfunction. The fire on the Hong Kong-bound flight is a reminder of how important it is to store these devices safely during flight," Air Busan said in its official statement.

Air Busan’s Response and New Policy

Following the incident, Air Busan took immediate action to prevent such events from occurring again. The airline has introduced a new policy that bans passengers from storing power banks in the aircraft’s overhead compartments or any other storage lockers. The policy, which went into effect shortly after the fire, aims to minimize the risk of fires caused by power banks and other lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in many portable electronic devices.

"To ensure passenger safety, we have decided to implement a new rule that prohibits passengers from storing power banks in the overhead lockers or any other storage compartments on our aircraft," the airline explained in a follow-up statement. "We urge all passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage and to keep them with them during the flight."

Why Are Power Banks Dangerous?

The dangers posed by power banks are rooted in the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are highly energy-dense, meaning they can store large amounts of power in a compact form, making them ideal for portable electronic devices. However, when these batteries are exposed to extreme temperatures, physical damage, or manufacturing defects, they can experience a thermal runaway reaction, which can lead to a fire or explosion.

This type of reaction occurs when the internal temperature of the battery increases uncontrollably, causing the release of flammable gases and, in some cases, igniting the battery. The confined space of an aircraft, with its limited ventilation and high altitude, can exacerbate the situation, making a fire on board particularly dangerous.

The fire on the Hong Kong-bound Air Busan flight highlights the importance of ensuring that power banks are handled and stored correctly during flights. While the risk of a fire is relatively low in general, it is still a risk that airlines cannot afford to ignore.

The Global Safety Concerns

The fire on the Air Busan flight is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, several airlines and aviation authorities have faced similar safety challenges with lithium-ion batteries. In 2016, a United Airlines flight experienced a similar issue when a power bank caught fire in an overhead bin, forcing the aircraft to return to the gate. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has long warned of the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, and many airlines have updated their policies to address these concerns.

According to the IATA, lithium-ion batteries are responsible for more than half of all in-flight incidents involving fires. In 2022 alone, there were over 40 incidents involving power banks or other electronic devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. As a result, many international airlines now require passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage, where they can be more easily accessed in the event of an emergency.

"While the chances of a power bank catching fire on a flight are low, the potential consequences are severe. That's why we strongly recommend that passengers keep power banks in their carry-on luggage and avoid storing them in checked baggage or overhead compartments," said an IATA spokesperson.

Other Airlines’ Reactions

Air Busan is not the only airline to take precautionary steps in response to power bank-related safety concerns. Many other airlines worldwide have also updated their policies on power banks. For instance, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Japan Airlines have all introduced similar bans or restrictions on storing power banks in overhead compartments or checked baggage.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long prohibited the transport of power banks in checked luggage. The agency also recommends that passengers carry power banks in their carry-on bags and ensure they are not damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures during the flight.

Similarly, in Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued guidelines that restrict the storage of power banks in checked luggage. Airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France have all implemented similar measures to ensure the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries on board.

How Passengers Can Stay Safe

While the ban on power banks in lockers may seem like a drastic measure, it is ultimately aimed at ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. There are several precautions that travelers can take to minimize the risk of accidents involving power banks during flights:

1. Carry Power Banks in Carry-On Luggage: Passengers should always pack power banks in their carry-on luggage rather than in checked bags or overhead compartments. This makes it easier for the crew to access the device in the event of an emergency.
2. Check for Damage: Before traveling, ensure that the power bank is in good condition. If the device shows signs of wear, bulging, or overheating, it should not be used.
3. Follow Airline Guidelines: Different airlines have varying policies on the transport of power banks. Passengers should always check with their airline for specific instructions and adhere to their guidelines.
4. Avoid Charging During Flight: While it is tempting to charge devices during a flight, passengers should avoid using power banks to charge their phones or tablets during the journey, as this can increase the risk of overheating.

The decision by Air Busan to ban power banks from lockers on its aircraft is a necessary response to the growing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries. While the risk of a fire caused by a power bank is relatively low, the consequences can be catastrophic, especially in the confined space of an airplane. By enforcing stricter safety protocols and encouraging passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage, Air Busan and other airlines are taking important steps to ensure that air travel remains as safe as possible for everyone on board.

As the airline industry continues to adapt to the challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries, it is essential for both airlines and passengers to remain vigilant and proactive in minimizing potential risks. By following safety guidelines and taking simple precautions, travelers can help ensure that their flights are smooth and incident-free.

For more information on Air Busan's safety measures, please visit the airline’s official website.