A portable power bank likely caused the fire that engulfed and destroyed an Air Busan passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport, South Korea, on January 28, according to local authorities. The fire resulted in minor injuries to three individuals on board.
On Friday, South Korea’s transport ministry released interim investigation findings indicating that insulation inside a power bank battery had broken down, potentially sparking the fire. The power bank was located in an overhead luggage compartment where the fire was first detected, and investigators found scorch marks on its debris. However, the report did not determine the precise cause of the battery’s failure.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in power banks, have long been a safety concern in air travel due to their potential to overheat and catch fire. Since 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has banned lithium-ion batteries from the cargo holds of passenger planes. Many airlines globally prohibit passengers from placing power banks in checked luggage, requiring them to be carried in hand luggage instead.
In response to the incident, Air Busan tightened its regulations, banning power banks from onboard luggage altogether. The airline cited a growing number of cases involving power banks overheating as the reason for the new rule. Other airlines, including China Airlines and Thai Airways, have introduced similar restrictions, while Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary, Scoot, will enforce a ban on using and charging power banks onboard starting April 1.
Following the Air Busan fire, the South Korean government also updated its air travel policies. As of February 28, passengers flying within South Korea must carry portable batteries and chargers on their person rather than storing them in overhead compartments.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns over the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in air travel. While further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of the fire, the aviation industry continues to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
