Power Bank Fire Prompts Airline Safety Crackdown

Why Airlines Are Restricting Power Banks Onboard

A recent incident involving a fire onboard an Airbus A321 in South Korea has reignited global concerns about lithium-ion battery safety on flights. Authorities have confirmed that a power bank was the source of the fire, which broke out on an Air Busan passenger jet at Gimhae International Airport on January 28, 2025. Three individuals sustained minor injuries.

According to South Korea's Ministry of Transport, a preliminary investigation concluded on March 14 that the power bank had malfunctioned, triggering the blaze. The device had been placed in the overhead compartment above a passenger seat when it began to overheat and catch fire. Although early signs indicated the power bank was faulty, the precise reason for the battery failure remains undetermined.

This investigation remains provisional, with a final report yet to be released.

Global Safety Measures and Ongoing Risk

Airlines across the world have long imposed strict rules on carrying lithium-ion batteries—such as those found in power banks—due to the fire hazards they pose. Since 2016, international aviation regulations have banned passengers from packing these batteries in checked luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has advised that lithium-ion batteries should only be carried in cabin baggage and kept under close supervision.

Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, making them efficient yet volatile. In the event of internal defects or physical damage, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. Such risks are amplified in enclosed environments like aircraft cabins.

Tightened Airline Policies

In the wake of the Air Busan incident, the airline has tightened safety protocols, announcing that passengers will no longer be permitted to carry power banks in hand luggage. The airline cited a rise in overheating incidents as justification for the new policy.

Other carriers are following suit. China Airlines and Thai Airways have begun implementing similar restrictions. Meanwhile, Scoot—a low-cost carrier under Singapore Airlines—plans to ban both the use and charging of power banks during flights, starting April 1.

On February 28, South Korea’s government issued a directive mandating that all passengers on domestic flights retain batteries and chargers in their personal possession rather than storing them in overhead compartments.

Past Incidents Highlight Ongoing Dangers

This is not the first time lithium-ion batteries have sparked safety concerns in aviation. In March 2017, a passenger’s headphones exploded during a flight from Melbourne to Beijing, causing facial injuries. The incident was later attributed to a battery fault. In another case, a flight departing from Sydney was grounded after smoke was detected in the cargo area, later traced to an overheating lithium-ion battery packed in checked luggage.

The risks extend beyond aviation. A 2022 report by the UK’s Environmental Services Association found that over 700 fire incidents occur annually in waste disposal facilities due to improperly discarded lithium batteries. These batteries are commonly used not just in power banks, but also in electric toothbrushes, toys, mobile phones, and laptops.

As airlines and regulators worldwide reassess their safety frameworks, passengers are urged to exercise caution when travelling with any lithium-powered devices.