South Korea to limit in-flight power banks

South Korea yesterday announced strengthened aviation safety measures following a fire on an Air Busan plane last month, saying the rules would include limiting the number and type of portable batteries allowed on the country's airlines.

The measures come into effect on March 1 for South Korean carriers after an Airbus plane belonging to Air Busan caught fire on January 28 at Gimhae International Airport in southern South Korea while preparing for departure to Hong Kong.

Under the new safety measures passengers will be permitted to carry up to five 100-watt-hour portable batteries, while batteries over 160-watt-hours won't be allowed on board.

Security searches will include checking the number and types of batteries, and charging portable batteries on a plane will be banned, the transport ministry said.

The ministry also said it would ban passengers from keeping power banks and e-cigarettes in luggage stored in overhead cabin bins.

Reuters