Following multiple incidents of aircraft fire, EVA Air announces a battery bank ban onboard their flights as a safety precaution. Passengers are banned from using these devices while onboard the aircraft and en route.
Preventive Measures Against Aircraft Fires
Since the start of 2025, there have been various reports of aircraft fires in Asia. One happened at Busan Gimhae Airport, where an Air Busan plane caught fire. It was suspected that the cause of the fire was an overheated battery bank onboard in the cabin.
Since the incident, multiple Korean airlines announced tightened restrictions on battery banks onboard as safety precautions.
Following their announcements, other Asian airlines followed suit and announced new restrictions on using battery banks on board. Starlux Airlines announced a ban on using battery banks on board, while China Airlines used milder terms and framed the new policy as a “suggestion.”
EVA Air announced a ban on using battery banks on board, effective 1 March 2025. They suggested alternatives of charging mobile devices before boarding the plane or using charging ports available onboard.
Battery Banks: Potential Fire Hazards
Battery banks have long received criticism for their safety concerns, with multiple incidents reported for overheating and flaming of the device during use. This safety risk raises concern for aviation safety as it is a common item people carry on board.
The multiple fire incidents in Korea recently raised safety concerns again about battery banks onboard. It is hoped that with refined regulations, airlines can prevent incidents of a similar nature from recurring.
Do you use battery banks on board, and do you think the new regulations would be useful for increasing aviation safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
