Air Busan to Check Carry-on Luggage from the 7th... "Control of Auxiliary Batteries on Overhead Bins"

Air Busan announced on the 4th that it will implement a policy starting from the 7th to minimize the risk of in-flight fires by controlling the storage of auxiliary batteries in overhead compartments.

On the 28th of last month, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board and the French Bureau d'Enqu?tes et d'Analyses pour la S?curit? de l'Aviation Civile (BEA) conducted a safety inspection ahead of the joint fire investigation on the Air Busan aircraft that caught fire. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

First, at the boarding gate, verbal confirmation of the presence of auxiliary batteries in carry-on luggage will be conducted, and separate markings such as stickers or tags (TAG) will be attached. Only luggage with these markings will be allowed to be stored in the overhead compartments on board.

This measure was introduced based on the judgment that immediate detection is crucial for prompt initial response in case of abnormal incidents. Air Busan plans to pilot this on some routes starting from the 7th and then expand it to all routes.

An Air Busan official explained, "Considering the practical constraints that make it impossible to completely ban auxiliary batteries on board, the purpose of this policy is to encourage passengers to self-check and to create conditions that allow for quick response in case of battery abnormalities or fire."

Customer guidance will also be strengthened. Air Busan will conduct consent procedures regarding the prohibition of auxiliary battery storage in overhead compartments during reservation, ticketing, and check-in stages. A separate notification message will be sent to customers one day before departure.

In-flight announcements will be increased from twice to three times. Since the 31st of last month, Air Busan has been broadcasting in-flight announcements stating, "Electronic devices including auxiliary batteries and electronic cigarettes pose a higher risk of fire if stored in overhead compartments, so please carry them with you."

Additionally, to ensure rapid initial response and effective fire suppression in case of an in-flight fire, cabin crew training will be significantly enhanced. A fire suppression demonstration video for training purposes will be produced and used to educate all crew members, along with scenario-based drills considering different stages of fire.

Plans are also in place to improve the fire suppression training facilities within the company building, creating an environment suitable for crew training under realistic conditions by installing smoke generators and the like. Air Busan also stated that it will enhance expertise through training provided by local fire departments and other specialized institutions.

Furthermore, Air Busan will purchase equipment capable of minimizing thermal runaway and explosion risks in case of battery fires and equip aircraft with these devices. Fire-resistant gloves will also be additionally stocked on board.

Jung Byung-seop, CEO of Air Busan, said, "We have proactively established a safety enhancement policy to alleviate passengers’ concerns and anxieties about in-flight fires and to secure a safe travel environment. We will continue to strive to raise safety awareness and capabilities among our employees and to spread a culture of aviation safety."