A recent investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has identified a portable battery pack as the probable cause of the fire that destroyed an Air Busan aircraft in January 2025. This incident has prompted both national and international airlines to implement stricter regulations regarding the carriage and use of lithium-ion batteries on flights.
Incident Overview
On January 28, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321, preparing for departure to Hong Kong from Gimhae International Airport, caught fire while on the ground. The fire originated in the overhead luggage compartment near row 30, approximately 20 minutes after a delayed boarding process. All 170 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, but the aircraft was rendered a total loss. scmp.comreuters.com
Investigation Findings
Preliminary analysis revealed burn marks on the remnants of a battery pack found in the area where the fire started. This suggests that internal insulation failure within the battery may have led to the fire. No electrical system malfunctions were detected in the aircraft, reinforcing the likelihood that the battery pack was the ignition source. reuters.com
Regulatory Responses
In response to this incident, South Korean authorities have introduced new safety measures effective March 1, 2025:scmp.com
- Carriage Restrictions: Passengers are now limited to carrying a maximum of five portable batteries, each not exceeding 100 watt-hours. Batteries over 160 watt-hours are prohibited on board. scmp.com
- Storage Guidelines: Portable batteries and e-cigarettes must be kept on the passenger’s person and are no longer allowed in overhead compartments. reuters.com+2scmp.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- In-Flight Usage Ban: Charging of portable batteries or electronic devices using in-seat power outlets is strictly prohibited during flights. nypost.com
Airlines such as Air Busan, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, and China Airlines have also updated their policies to ban the use or charging of power banks on board, aiming to mitigate fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. reuters.com+7reuters.com+7nypost.com+7
Broader Safety Concerns
The Air Busan incident underscores the growing risks lithium-ion batteries pose in aviation. Globally, reports of battery-related overheating or fires on aircraft have increased, with incidents occurring approximately every two weeks in 2024. These events have prompted airlines and regulatory bodies to reassess and tighten safety protocols concerning the transportation and use of lithium batteries on flights. en.wikipedia.org+7reuters.com+7nypost.com+7reuters.com
As investigations continue, authorities and airlines worldwide are expected to further refine safety measures to prevent similar incidents, ensuring passenger safety remains paramount.
