The government has prohibited the check-in of auxiliary batteries and electronic cigarettes in baggage to reduce the risk of fire in aircraft and is limiting the capacity and quantity when bringing them on board. Auxiliary batteries must be stored in protective pouches or plastic bags, with terminals insulated, in the seat pocket or clothing pockets.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport noted on the 13th that it would implement standards to strengthen in-flight safety management for auxiliary batteries and electronic cigarettes following last month's AIR BUSAN fire incident. Although the auxiliary battery wasn't directly identified as the cause of the fire, the ministry's policy is to take proactive measures due to its high risk.
The criteria for bringing auxiliary batteries on board differ based on the battery's power capacity (Wh). Generally, auxiliary batteries below 20,000mAh (milliamp hours) are allowable if they are under 100Wh, without separate approval, with a maximum of 5 allowed on board.
However, if the number exceeds 5, approval from the airline is required. Products exceeding 100Wh but under 160Wh can be brought on board, granted the airline's permission, with a maximum of 2 allowed. Auxiliary batteries exceeding 160Wh are completely prohibited from being brought on board. Airlines plan to manage approved auxiliary batteries by attaching stickers for quick verification during security checks.
The government will enhance pre-notification procedures to ensure a smooth implementation of the new auxiliary battery carrying standards. Guidelines will be provided in 5 stages: when reserving tickets, 24 hours before departure, during check-in (at kiosks), at boarding (at the boarding gate), and after boarding (on board). Passengers using self-check-in will also be able to check relevant information on the kiosk screen. During the security check, unauthorized battery carry-on will be thoroughly checked, and in case of violations, the respective airline will be notified to take corrective actions.
It is prohibited to place auxiliary batteries in overhead bins or on the floor during flights. Passengers must either carry the batteries or store them in the seat pocket, and charging them on board is restricted. The terminals of auxiliary batteries must be wrapped in insulating tape or placed inside one of the protective pouches or plastic bags to avoid short-circuiting from contact with metal. To facilitate this, transparent plastic bags will be provided at check-in counters and on board for passengers if needed.
The existing regulations will remain for batteries built into electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and cameras. Lithium-ion batteries installed in devices like laptops and mobile phones can be brought on board and checked in as luggage.
The Ministry will strengthen promotions before the implementation of this measure on March 1 to minimize passenger confusion. If the cause of the AIR BUSAN fire incident is determined to be the auxiliary battery, they will consult with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to consider the possibility of additional regulatory enhancements.
Yoo Kyung-soo, the aviation safety policy director at the Ministry, stated, "Given the significant public anxiety regarding the fire hazards of auxiliary batteries, we plan to clearly define the carrying standards and ensure thorough security checks," and urged, "Passengers should familiarize themselves with the carry-on regulations and actively cooperate with the security check procedures."