Photo: Korean Air Starting today: Korean Air and its sister airlines in the Hanjin Group, including Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, will no longer allow passengers to use power banks during flights. The measure, which has already been implemented by several airlines worldwide, will take effect on January 26, 2026, reflecting ongoing concerns about the risks associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries in the air.
They can keep carrying their power banks into the cabin, as long as they meet the current size and quantity limitations, with the mention that they will no longer be allowed to use the devices to charge their phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other compatible devices during the flight. The ban also applies to charging the power banks themselves.
Mobile charger on a flight. Photo: wisely / ShutterstockPlus, passengers will also be required to cut the risk of a short circuit by:
- Covering charging ports with electrical tape or placing each battery in its own plastic bag/pouch.
- Keeping power banks within reach at all times, on the passenger/in the seatback pocket/under the front seat
- Not storing power banks in overhead bins.
“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,” a Korean Air representative commented on the decision. “Korean Air remains fully committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience for all customers.”
In parallel, Korean Air has already taken steps in line with government guidance, including offering insulation tape at airports, equipping aircraft with fire containment bags, and adding temperature-sensitive stickers to overhead bins. Cabin crews have also received additional training focused specifically on responding to power bank-related fires.
Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.comAlongside the safety update, Korean Air has also announced a new partnership with Heathrow Express aimed at making travel to and from London Heathrow more affordable. Customers who book Heathrow Express tickets through the Korean Air website receive a 15% discount on eligible fares. That brings a Standard one-way ticket down to £22.10 ($30.16 / 25.46 EUR) and Business First to £27.20 ($37.13 / 31.34 EUR), with similar savings on flexible return options.
Trains will run every 15 minutes between Heathrow and London Paddington. Families will benefit from free travel for children aged 15 and under, while Business First tickets include free Fast Track security. The airline continues to operate daily flights from London Heathrow Terminal 4, reinforcing its focus on convenience at both ends of the journey.