South Korea Plane Fire Sparks Power Bank Safety Concerns

New Delhi: Investigation into a fire that broke out on an Air Busan flight in South Korea has raised fresh concerns about the risks associated with portable power banks. 

The January 28 incident at Gimhae International Airport left three passengers with injuries, and preliminary findings suggest a malfunctioning power bank stored in an overhead bin may have been the culprit.  

Authorities discovered scorch marks on the device’s remains, pointing to a possible battery insulation failure. 

While the exact cause of the breakdown is still under review, the incident speaks a lot about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and ignite when damaged or defective.  

Airlines have long banned power banks from checked luggage due to these risks, but in light of the recent fire, some are taking stricter action. 

Air Busan has now prohibited power banks in onboard luggage following a rise in overheating incidents. Other airlines, including China Airlines and Thai Airways, are implementing similar policies, while Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary Scoot will enforce a ban on power bank use and charging during flights starting April 1.  

The South Korean government has also introduced new safety measures, requiring passengers to carry portable batteries on their person rather than storing them in overhead compartments.