Table of Contents
- Implementation of Supplementary Measures for Portable Battery In-Flight Safety Management
- Discontinuation of Plastic Bag Provision and Alternative Measures
- Enhanced In-Flight Safety Equipment and Temperature Detection
- Strengthening Crew Training and International Cooperation
- Conclusion and Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Implementation of Supplementary Measures for Portable Battery In-Flight Safety Management
In response to the fire incident on Air Busan aircraft that occurred last January, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has decided to strengthen in-flight safety management measures related to portable batteries. New management guidelines are scheduled to be implemented from September 1, 2025.
Initially, the use of plastic bags was mandated to prevent battery short circuits, but there were controversies regarding environmental issues and effectiveness.
As a result, a supplementary measure considering safety and user convenience was developed through consultations with experts, consumer groups, manufacturers, and airlines. Anticipation for the upcoming changes is high.
Discontinuation of Plastic Bag Provision and Alternative Measures
The airlines will discontinue the provision of plastic bags and will instead provide insulating tape at various locations. Passengers can use this tape at check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates, and in-flight to protect connectors or take measures to prevent short circuits using protective caps and pouches.
Meanwhile, the regulations regarding the carry-on limits for portable batteries remain in place. Batteries under 100Wh can be brought in up to a maximum of 5 units, but prior approval is required for exceeding this limit. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh are allowed up to 2 units, and approval is also required for this. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are prohibited from being brought in, and storing or using them in the overhead bins is strictly prohibited. Short circuit prevention measures are mandatory.
Enhanced In-Flight Safety Equipment and Temperature Detection
The focus of the supplementary measures is on enhancing safety equipment to prevent additional losses in the event of a fire.
Firstly, the containment bag (Fire Containment Bag) must be carried on all national airlines with at least 2 units. This equipment helps safely isolate and store devices when a fire occurs in portable batteries or electronic devices after initial suppression.
Furthermore, temperature-sensitive stickers will be affixed to the outside of the overhead bin starting in September. If the internal temperature of the bin exceeds 40 degrees, the sticker will change color to red, allowing early detection of potential fire hazards. This will facilitate rapid responses from crew members and passengers.
Strengthening Crew Training and International Cooperation
Airlines plan to further enhance training including the use of fire extinguishers to prepare for in-flight fires. They will add practical training scenarios in their regular training to improve response capabilities and revise their training manuals accordingly.
Additionally, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is seeking to strengthen international standards for portable battery safety management in cooperation with several international organizations such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). Policies related to this have already been shared in international meetings, and discussions will continue at the ICAO General Assembly to be held in September.
Conclusion and Outlook
The recently announced supplementary measures include various actions. These consist of the discontinuation of plastic bag provision, provision of insulating tape, mandatory carrying of containment bags, affixing temperature-sensitive stickers, strengthening crew training, and expanding international cooperation.
The Ministry aims to effectively manage in-flight fire risks while minimizing passenger inconvenience and creating a safe air travel environment.
It is anticipated that a globally competitive in-flight safety management system will be established through continuous monitoring and international cooperation in the future. These efforts will contribute to enhancing the safety of air travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What changes are being made to the regulations regarding carrying portable batteries on airplanes?
From September 1, 2025, the regulations on carrying portable batteries and related safety management measures will be strengthened and strictly enforced.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will strengthen guidelines on the safety management of portable batteries from September 1, 2025, following the fire incident on an Air Busan aircraft. Batteries under 100Wh can be carried up to a maximum of 5 units, but prior approval is necessary for exceeding this limit. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh are allowed up to 2 units, and approval is required for this as well. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited from being brought in and used in the cabin. Additionally, insulation measures to prevent short circuits are also mandatory.
Q. What measures are being implemented since the provision of plastic bags has been discontinued?
Insulating tape will be provided instead of plastic bags, allowing passengers to take short circuit prevention measures.
The provision of plastic bags, which was previously mandated for preventing short circuits in portable batteries, has been discontinued due to environmental concerns. Instead, airlines will provide insulating tape at various locations, such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates, and in-flight, allowing passengers to protect their battery terminals. The use of protective caps and pouches is also encouraged to help prevent short circuit incidents.
Q. What will the new in-flight safety equipment for portable batteries include?
It will be mandatory to carry a minimum of 2 containment bags and to affix temperature-sensitive stickers.
National airlines must carry a minimum of 2 containment bags to safely isolate and store devices in case of a fire caused by portable batteries or electronic devices. Additionally, starting in September, temperature-sensitive stickers will be affixed to the outside of overhead bins, changing color when the temperature rises above 40 degrees to allow early detection of fire risks. These devices play a significant role in initial fire responses and rapid safety measures.
Q. How will the safety training for airline crew members be enhanced?
Crew members will enhance training that reflects various scenarios including in-flight fire response drills.
Airlines will enhance their training programs to improve response capabilities, including practical training for various scenarios like using fire extinguishers in preparation for in-flight fires. New manuals and practical-centered content will be added to regular training, improving the on-site responsiveness of crew members. This training enhancement is expected to make a significant contribution to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining a state of readiness similar to real-life situations through continuous training.
Q. What international collaborations are being undertaken?
Efforts are being made to strengthen safety standards for portable batteries in cooperation with international organizations such as ICAO.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport seeks to strengthen international standards for safety management related to portable batteries in collaboration with organizations like ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). Policies have already been shared in international meetings, and relevant discussions are expected to continue at the upcoming ICAO General Assembly in September. This international cooperation is anticipated to contribute to the establishment of a global in-flight safety management system and the enhancement of safety in air travel.
