Multiple Korean airlines announced new policies for battery banks on board in response to a recent fire that is potentially caused by an overheated battery bank in the cabin.
![Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 in flight.](https://i0.wp.com/travelradar.aero/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jeju_Air_Boeing_737-800_HL8295_NRT_24536186109-scaled.jpg?resize=1170%2C780&ssl=1)
Safety Precautions for Battery Banks Onboard
Following the investigation of the fire incident at Busan Gimhae International Airport last month, different Korean airlines announced new guidelines for battery banks inside the cabin. The fire is believed to be caused by an overheated battery bank in the cabin. Afterwards, as a safety precaution, different airlines have published new guidelines for handling similar items.
![Air Busan's new customer notice on prohibited items in overhead compartments.](https://i0.wp.com/travelradar.aero/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-10-at-12.42.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?resize=1170%2C722&ssl=1)
New Safety Guidelines for Battery Banks
Air Busan and Korean Air announced new handling guidelines for batter banks, including additional bag checks at the gate. Air Busan prohibits battery banks from overhead compartments. Korean Air requires passengers to store battery banks in a transparent pouch in the seat pocket in front.
Jeju Air and Asiana Airlines have increased announcements onboard reminding customers to not put portable batteries in overhead compartments in response to the incident.
Above are all preventive measures to stop incidents with similar causes from happening again. Different Korean airlines have seen various incidents in the past few months, and aviation safety is currently of utmost importance in the region.
How do you usually handle portable batteries you bring on board? Share your thoughts in the comments below.