An investigation into a fire on an Air Busan plane at Gimhae International Airport has highlighted the hazards of portable power banks. The January 28 incident, which left three passengers with minor injuries, may have been caused by a faulty power bank found in an overhead compartment. Scorch marks suggested it was the fire’s origin. Interim findings noted concerns about lithium-ion batteries, prompting airlines to ban power banks in checked luggage. Following the fire, Air Busan strengthened policies, while other airlines, including Singapore Airlines, are enforcing similar restrictions. The South Korean government also mandated that passengers keep portable batteries on their person.
An investigation into a fire that occurred on a passenger plane in South Korea has revealed concerning information regarding the hazards of portable power banks. On January 28, an Air Busan aircraft caught fire at Gimhae International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to three passengers. An initial inquiry by South Korea’s transport ministry indicated that the fire could have been initiated by a power bank, with damage to the battery’s insulation suggested as a possible cause.
The power bank was found in an overhead luggage compartment, the location where the fire originated. Burn marks were noted on the remains of the device, which further point to it as a likely source of the fire. Although investigators could not pinpoint the exact cause of the battery’s failure, these findings are preliminary and do not constitute a comprehensive report on the incident.
This event highlights the ongoing safety issues associated with power banks, especially those utilizing lithium-ion batteries. Such batteries can produce intense heat and potentially ignite if they are damaged or defective, representing a serious risk to the safety of air travel. As a precaution, airlines across the globe have restricted power banks in checked baggage for several years.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has also acted to reduce risks, implementing a ban on lithium-ion batteries in the cargo holds of passenger flights since 2016. In light of the Air Busan fire, the airline has tightened its regulations, prohibiting power banks in carry-on luggage due to an uptick in overheating incidents.