South Korean Airlines Implement Comprehensive Ban on In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Starting January 26, 2026, five airlines under the Hanjin Group—Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul—will enforce a ban on the use of portable batteries, commonly known as power banks, during flights. This decision is a response to increasing concerns regarding the risks of lithium-ion battery fires, which have prompted the aviation industry to strengthen safety measures.

Five South Korean airlines to ban in-flight use of portable batteries from Jan 26"If smoke starts coming out, your heart skips a beat" – Korean Air and Asiana to ban use of power banks on board from the 26thFive South Korean Airlines to Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use from Jan 26Korean Air and four affiliate airlines to ban in-flight use of power banks from January 26Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Under the new policy, passengers will not be allowed to use power banks to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or cameras while on board. Additionally, charging power banks through seat power outlets or onboard USB ports will also be prohibited. Passengers must keep their power banks within arm's reach at all times, either in their possession, in the seatback pocket, or under the seat in front of them. Storing power banks in overhead bins is strictly forbidden to ensure quick detection of any overheating or smoke.

"If smoke starts coming out, your heart skips a beat" – Korean Air and Asiana to ban use of power banks on board from the 26th

The ban is rooted in safety concerns, particularly the potential for lithium-ion batteries to enter thermal runaway, a condition where the battery overheats and can ignite. The airlines have cited that incidents involving power banks, while statistically rare, pose significant challenges in-flight due to limited firefighting options in a pressurized cabin environment. A representative from Korean Air emphasized that the ban is a necessary measure to maintain high safety standards and that passenger cooperation is essential for effective implementation.

Five South Korean Airlines to Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use from Jan 26

To facilitate a smooth transition to the new regulations, the airlines will launch a comprehensive awareness campaign. Information will be disseminated through official websites, mobile applications, airport check-in counters, and automated notifications. Continuous announcements will be made at boarding gates and onboard aircraft to reinforce the new rules. Additionally, cabin crew training has been updated to ensure consistent enforcement across all five airlines.

Five South Korean Airlines to Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use from Jan 26

While the airlines have not faced significant public dissent regarding the new regulations, travel operators in Hong Kong have begun advising travelers to leave power banks at home, suggesting that safety should take precedence. Yuen Chun-ning, managing director at WWPKG, noted that while clients have not expressed concerns, the recommendation to avoid bringing power banks aligns with the airlines' safety measures.

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

As the January 26 deadline approaches, other airlines may consider similar bans, following the lead of Hanjin Group's carriers. The aviation industry continues to monitor battery-related incidents closely, and further regulatory actions may be anticipated as safety protocols evolve.

Five South Korean Airlines to Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use from Jan 26

• “The complete ban on the in-flight usage of portable batteries is an inevitable measure to secure safe flight operations; cooperation from passengers is vital,” — Korean Air Official

Five South Korean airlines to ban in-flight use of portable batteries from Jan 26

• “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,” — Korean Air Representative

Korean Air and four affiliate airlines to ban in-flight use of power banks from January 26

• “Safety comes first.” — Yuen Chun-ning, Managing Director, WWPKG

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

This coordinated ban represents a significant step by South Korea's largest airline group to enhance flight safety and mitigate risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Five South Korean Airlines to Ban In-Flight Power Bank Use from Jan 26