Korean Air and four Hanjin Group carriers - Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul - have banned the in-flight use of power banks from January 26 as part of new safety measures, reports West Virginia's Aviation Business News.

The move follows a rise in cabin fire incidents involving lithium-ion power banks.

Passengers may still carry power banks in the cabin under existing rules on capacity and quantity, but charging devices such as phones, tablets, laptops or cameras on board is prohibited.

To prevent short circuits, travellers must cover metal charging ports with tape or place batteries in separate plastic bags or pouches. Power banks must be kept within reach and not stored in overhead bins.

The airlines will inform customers of the updated regulations through websites, mobile apps, check-in counters and boarding announcements.

A Korean Air representative said the ban is necessary to ensure flight safety and called for passenger cooperation. The airline pledged to maintain a safe and comfortable travel experience.

Prior to the ban, Korean Air and other Hanjin carriers had adopted preventive measures in line with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport policies. These included providing insulation tape at check-in, equipping aircraft with fire-containment bags and attaching temperature-sensitive stickers to overhead bins.

Cabin crew training has also been strengthened with specialised drills for power bank fire scenarios alongside standard fire response procedures.