In a significant policy shift aimed at improving aviation safety, South Korea’s transport ministry announced that it will ban the use of plastic bags for the storage of portable batteries on airplanes, effective from Monday. This new regulation follows a fire incident involving an Air Busan aircraft in January that raised concerns about battery-related hazards.
Background of the Incident
A joint investigation team recently conducted a stability inspection of the fire-damaged Air Busan passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport in Busan on January 31, 2025. The incident occurred on January 28 and has prompted a thorough probe into its causes. The government initiated a safety management scheme for portable battery packs in March to address such fire risks, particularly in light of this troubling event.
New Safety Measures
Under the forthcoming regulations, airlines will be required to replace plastic bags with insulation tape when transporting portable batteries. This change is not only a response to safety concerns but also aligns with environmental considerations that led to the phased-out use of plastic.
To further bolster safety, airlines will also be mandated to provide fire containment bags and heat-sensitive stickers onboard. These stickers, which will be affixed to overhead bins, are designed to alert cabin crew and passengers to increased temperatures, allowing for early detection of potential fire hazards.
Compliance and Future Plans
To ensure airlines adhere to these new regulations, the transport ministry plans to implement rigorous inspections throughout the upcoming month. The ministry’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to passenger safety and adherence to updated safety protocols.
Moreover, the ministry is collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enhance global standards regarding the management of portable batteries in aviation. A dedicated discussion on this pressing issue is scheduled for the ICAO’s general assembly in September, reflecting the global nature of aviation safety challenges.
As the deadline approaches for this ban, both airline operators and passengers will need to adjust to the revised safety measures aimed at preventing battery-related fires during flights. The combination of insulation tape, fire containment bags, and heat-sensitive stickers is expected to significantly increase the overall safety and security of air travel in South Korea.
This recent directive from the transport ministry emphasizes the urgent need for updates to safety protocols in aviation, especially in light of incidents like the Air Busan fire. The move represents a comprehensive effort to balance safety, environmental sustainability, and the practicalities of modern air travel, ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.
