Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea’s flag carrier, along with its four affiliate airlines, has announced a ban on the in-flight use of power banks, citing growing safety concerns related to lithium battery risks.

According to a statement released by Hanjin Group on Friday, the new policy will take effect from Monday and will apply to Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul. Under the new regulations, passengers will no longer be permitted to use power banks to charge smartphones, laptops, or other electronic devices during flights.

While travelers will still be allowed to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, the airlines have introduced strict storage requirements. Power banks must be kept in a separate pouch, stored within the passenger’s personal reach, and are strictly prohibited from being placed in overhead compartments.

“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,” Hanjin Group stated. The company further reaffirmed that Korean Air “remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers.”

The move follows similar steps taken by other South Korean carriers. In October, low-cost airline Eastar Jet became the first in the country to prohibit the in-flight use of power banks. Jeju Air also adopted the policy earlier this week.

Industry concern has intensified after a major fire incident involving an Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in Busan in January 2025. The incident, believed to be linked to a battery-related risk, renewed scrutiny over the use of portable power devices onboard aircraft.

Aviation safety experts note that lithium-ion batteries, if damaged or overheated, pose a significant fire hazard, prompting airlines worldwide to continuously reassess onboard safety policies.