New safety measures aim to reduce fire risks on planes.
South Korea has introduced stricter regulations on lithium batteries for air travel. The new rules, effective March 2025, address rising safety concerns. Authorities took action after multiple overheating incidents and a major aircraft fire in January. These measures aim to minimise the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power common devices like smartphones, tablets, e-cigarettes, and power banks.
Increasing Fire Risks and Recent Aircraft Incident
Lithium batteries have caused concerns in aviation for years. In the early 2010s, two cargo planes crashed due to battery fires. Since then, overheating incidents have steadily increased. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded fewer than one incident per week in 2018. By 2024, this number had risen to three incidents every two weeks.
In January 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321-200 caught fire at Gimhae International Airport. The aircraft was waiting for takeoff when flames erupted. All 176 passengers and crew evacuated safely, but the plane was destroyed. Investigators suspect the fire started in an overhead locker. This incident heightened public concern about lithium batteries on planes.
New Rules: No Charging and Battery Restrictions
Passengers must now carry lithium batteries in clear plastic bags. They must keep them on their person, not in overhead bins. This rule ensures overheating devices can be detected quickly.
Charging devices on board is now strictly banned. Each passenger can carry up to five portable batteries or e-cigarettes. These must have a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less. Batteries over 160 watt-hours are banned unless approved for medical use. These measures align with international aviation safety standards.
Strengthened Cabin Crew Procedures
Airlines have trained cabin crews to handle lithium battery incidents. Crew members know how to cool overheating batteries and extinguish flames. They also use fire-resistant containers for malfunctioning devices.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says these procedures work well during flights. However, on the ground, immediate evacuation remains the safest option.
Passengers in South Korea support the new rules. Many feel safer knowing overheating devices will be quickly spotted. “Keeping batteries on me means I can react immediately,” said a traveler at Incheon Airport.
South Korea continues to improve aviation safety regulations. Authorities recently introduced bird detection systems after a fatal crash in early 2025. By tightening lithium battery policies, they aim to prevent future incidents and ensure safer flights.