Universal Ban Enforced Across All Eleven Carriers On February 20, 2026, T'way Air announced it will prohibit passengers from operating portable power banks starting Monday, making it the final airline to join the restriction. The ban now applies to every South Korean passenger carrier, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, and others. Airlines require power banks to be insulated with tape or placed in a separate pouch, kept within reach, and never stored in overhead bins. The policy reflects coordinated safety measures after multiple battery‑fire incidents [1].

Safety Concerns Prompted by Recent Battery Fires The restriction follows a series of onboard battery fires, most notably the Air Busan aircraft fire at Gimhae International Airport in January 2025. Industry sources say the incident highlighted the risk of charging devices with power banks during flight. Eastar Jet first introduced the ban in October 2025, and Jeju Air and Korean Air groups followed in late January 2026. The consistent timeline shows airlines responding progressively to the emerging hazard [1].

Implementation Details and Passenger Compliance Requirements Passengers may still bring power banks onto the cabin if the terminals are covered with insulating tape or stored in a dedicated pouch. The devices must remain within the passenger’s immediate reach and cannot be placed in overhead compartments. Airlines will enforce the rule through cabin crew checks and may confiscate non‑compliant items. The uniform policy aims to eliminate fire risks while allowing limited use under strict conditions [1].