Seoul: Five Korean carriers under the Hanjin Group will prohibit the use of power banks on board starting Jan. 26 as part of enhanced flight safety measures. The ban covers Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, which will no longer allow passengers to use power banks to charge electronic devices during flights.

According to Philippines News Agency, while passengers will no longer be permitted to use power banks to charge electronic devices during flight, they could still carry these into the cabin, subject to existing regulations on capacity and quantity. "To prevent short circuits, passengers must cover metal charging ports with electrical tape or place each battery in a separate plastic bag or pouch," the group said in a statement on Friday.

Power banks must be kept within personal reach-on the passenger, in the seat pocket, or under the seat-and are not allowed in overhead bins. The airlines said travelers will be notified through official websites, mobile apps, airport counters, and onboard announcements. Announcements will also be made at boarding gates and on board aircraft.

"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," Korean Air said in a separate statement. To recall, the Hanjin Group airlines had implemented preventive measures in line with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport policies.

These include providing insulation tape for short-circuit prevention at check-in counters and boarding gates, equipping aircraft with fire-containment bags, and attaching temperature-sensitive stickers to overhead bins for quicker overheating detection. Cabin crew training was also enhanced with specialized drills for power bank fire scenarios in addition to standard fire response training.