KOREAN AIR, SISTER AIRLINES TO BAN IN-FLIGHT USE OF POWER BANKS

SEOUL, Jan 23 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's flag carrier, and its four affiliate airlines will ban the in-flight use of power banks starting next week amid growing safety concerns, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Hanjin Group on Friday.

The top carrier and its four sister airlines -- Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul -- will ban travellers from charging smartphones and other electronic devices with power banks during flights starting Monday, the group said in a release.

Hanjin Group said while passengers are allowed to bring power banks into the cabin, they must be kept in a separate pouch, stored within personal reach and not placed in overhead bins.

"The ban on the in-flight use of power banks is a necessary measure to ensure the highest standards of flight safety, and passenger cooperation is essential," the company said in the release.

"Korean Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers," it added.

In October, South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet Co. became the country's first airline to ban the in-flight use of power banks. Jeju Air Co., another budget carrier, adopted the policy this week.

Concerns over in-flight battery bank usage have increased after a major fire incident involving an Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, some 330 kilometres southeast of Seoul, in January 2025.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP