Airlines Tighten Lithium Battery Rules Amid Rising Safety Concerns

Several airlines globally have updated their policies to address the growing safety risks posed by lithium batteries. These changes, prompted by incidents of battery overheating and fires, include banning the use of power banks during flights and restricting their storage to passenger-held locations, rather than overhead bins.

Amid increasing safety concerns, airlines worldwide have updated regulations concerning lithium batteries carried on flights. Recent incidents involving overheating batteries causing fires have pushed aviation authorities to act swiftly with new measures.

In South Korea, Air Busan initiated a ban on storing power banks in overhead cabin bins following a fire linked to such a device. Similar restrictions are now in place across South Korean airlines, and passengers are advised to keep power banks and e-cigarettes on their person to monitor any potential issues.

Other airlines across Asia, including Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, Malaysia's AirAsia, and Indonesia's Batik Air, have implemented policies stopping passengers from using or charging power banks in flight. These adjustments underscore the aviation sector's ongoing efforts to enhance safety and prevent battery-related incidents onboard.

(With inputs from agencies.)