Power banks banned in Air Busan lockers after fire on Hong Kong-bound aircraft

Hong Kong expert says expansion of measure to other airlines will depend on further risk assessments by trade groups and carriers

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The Air Busan Airbus caught fire at Gimhae International Airport last Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:29pm, 4 Feb 2025Updated: 6:33pm, 6 Feb 2025

South Korean carrier Air Busan has banned passengers from storing power banks in overhead lockers after one such device was suspected to have caused a fire on board an aircraft preparing for departure to Hong Kong, but an expert has said airlines do not need to rush to follow suit.

Air Busan said on Tuesday that the ban was “a pre-emptive measure” following the blaze last week on an Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport in southeastern Busan that injured seven people.

The carrier said it would not allow passengers to keep power banks in luggage stored in overhead cabin bins, so any overheating devices, smoke or fire could be quickly spotted and handled.

All carry-on bags will reportedly be inspected at boarding gates, and only those without power banks will be tagged and allowed in the luggage bins above seats.

The measure was set to begin on Friday on trial routes before expanding to all flights, Reuters said.

A government investigation into the cause of the fire last Tuesday is under way but local media reports suggest that a power bank stowed in an overhead locker was to blame.

“What was proposed by Air Busan is a precautionary measure after the recent accident, but it is more restrictive than existing international practice,” said Warren Chim Wing-nin, deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ aircraft division.