South Korea limits the number of power banks passengers can carry on planes

South Korea's Transport Ministry last week announced a measure to strengthen aviation safety rules, limiting the number and types of power banks that can be carried by airline passengers.

Authorities have also mandated enhanced security checks, with additional checks on passengers if they are suspected of violating on-board carry-on regulations or at the request of the airline. The ministry said the new measures were designed to address concerns about the potential for portable batteries to catch fire.

Global aviation standards state that batteries must not be placed in checked baggage because of the risk of a fire if they short circuit due to damage or production failures.

Starting from March 1, passengers will only be allowed to carry a maximum of five 100-watt-hour power banks on board, while those over 160 watt-hours will not be allowed on board, and charging the banks will be banned on planes, authorities said.

In addition, the South Korean Ministry of Transport also prohibits aircraft passengers from placing charging banks and electronic cigarettes in the luggage compartment above the seat, and must keep them on hand or in the seat pocket to ensure that they can respond in time when the charging bank is abnormal.

It is understood that the charging bank carried on board must be wrapped with electrical tape or placed in a zipper bag to prevent the connector from contacting the metal. Airline check-in counters and inside the aircraft will provide transparent plastic bags to prevent short circuits.