Starting January 20, passengers will be limited to carrying a maximum of two portable batteries (160Wh or less each) onto aircraft. Using portable batteries to charge electronic devices or charging the batteries themselves during flights will be completely prohibited.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Wednesday that the international safety standards for portable batteries proposed by Korea were finalized after receiving final approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council on December 27.
Under the previous international aviation safety standards, there were no quantity restrictions on portable batteries of 100Wh (27,000mAh) or less, the most commonly used capacity.
The ministry had established separate domestic standards, allowing up to five units per person for batteries under 100Wh and up to two units for 100-160Wh (43,000mAh) batteries with airline approval. From January 20, the new international standards will strictly limit portable battery carry-on to "a maximum of two units per person, with each unit not exceeding 160Wh."
Large portable batteries exceeding 160Wh, such as those used for camping, remain prohibited from aircraft as under current rules. Portable batteries of any capacity cannot be placed in checked baggage and are only permitted as carry-on items.
In addition, using portable batteries to charge smartphones or other electronic devices during flights, as well as charging the portable batteries themselves, will be completely banned.
Korean airlines had already begun voluntarily prohibiting in-flight portable battery use starting with Eastar Jet in October last year, and this prohibition has now been established as an international standard. The ministry advised passengers to confirm regulations with their airlines before departure, as rules may vary slightly by country.
"Given the growing concerns about fire risks from portable batteries in aircraft cabins, this is significant in that we can now respond more effectively to safety regulations through international cooperation," said Yoo Kyung-soo, Director General of Aviation Safety Policy at the ministry.