South Korea has implemented stricter regulations on carrying lithium batteries on flights starting March 1, amid growing public concerns over fire hazards.
Increased Fire Risks from Lithium Batteries
According to Reuters, flights worldwide face increasing risks due to lithium batteries in mobile phones and electronic cigarettes. These batteries can malfunction, leading to smoke, fire, or extreme heat.
Lithium batteries are widely used in electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, power banks, and e-cigarettes. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that in 2023, overheating lithium batteries caused an average of three incidents on planes every two weeks. This marks a significant rise from 2018, when less than one incident per week was recorded.
New Lithium Battery Rules for Flights in South Korea
As part of the new regulations, passengers flying with South Korean airlines must carry power banks and e-cigarettes in their personal belongings and are prohibited from storing them in overhead compartments. Additionally, charging electronic devices on board is not allowed.
Passengers are allowed to carry up to five power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours each. Batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours are strictly prohibited. According to the South Korean Ministry of Transport, all lithium batteries must be stored in transparent plastic bags.
Passenger Reactions and Safety Concerns
On March 1, some passengers departing from Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s largest airport, expressed relief over the new safety measures.
“I feel safer knowing that new guidelines are in place to protect us. I was also advised to keep power banks in my carry-on, allowing immediate detection in case of an issue,” said Kim Jae Woung (37), a passenger at the airport.
Government Response to Fire Incidents
The South Korean government introduced these measures in response to rising safety concerns, particularly after an Air Busan aircraft caught fire in January while waiting for takeoff.
These new regulations aim to enhance in-flight safety and minimize fire hazards, ensuring a more secure travel experience for passengers.
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