After onboard fire, Korea arrives with bans and stringent new rules on power banks and e-cigarettes on board
Coming up in South Korea much stricter rules on the use of power banks, chargers and e-cigarettes in flight, [...]
South Korea
Coming up in South Korea much stricter rules on the use of In-flight power banks, chargers and electronic cigarettes, for the sake of greater safety and prevention.
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These new arrangements were made after the'Air Busan plane fire' which occurred in late January at Busan Airport. Although the cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, it is very likely, according to initial investigations, that it was caused precisely by a portable battery stored in the luggage rack. In particular, the South Korean airline Air Busan introduced, following the incident, a rule that Ban power banks in carry-on luggage.
In two weeks' time, starting as of March 1, Passengers will be allowed to bring on board only up to five 100-watt-hour portable batteries, while batteries with a capacity of greater than 160 watt hours. In addition, you will no longer be able to Recharge power banks while traveling.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority have issued these guidelines with the aim of increasing safety on board, as power banks and electronic cigarettes are considered potential sources of risk, capable of creating overheating or short circuits.
To avoid the risk of short circuit, it is expected that the power bank terminals are properly insulated with tape or kept in special containers, such as transparent bags or protective cases.
