Starting next month, passengers will be required to take safety measures when bringing auxiliary batteries on board passenger planes. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that passengers must either wrap the charging terminal with insulating tape or put the auxiliary battery in a zipper bag.   

This decision comes after an Air Busan aircraft fire incident at Gimhae International Airport last month. The government has decided to strengthen public relations so that the previously neglected regulations on carrying auxiliary batteries are observed in the field.   

Fires caused by auxiliary batteries occur when the exposed charging terminal comes into contact with metal, causing overcurrent to flow, generating heat and sparks. Fire can be prevented by attaching insulating tape to the charging terminal or putting the auxiliary battery in a zipper bag to block contact with metallic materials.   

This was already included in the existing safety regulations. However, it has hardly been observed in the field because it is difficult for airlines or airports to check whether safety measures for auxiliary batteries are being implemented one by one.

Considering this reality, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to focus on public relations and guidance first. The regulations on carrying auxiliary batteries will be explained at various places such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and inside the aircraft, and whether safety measures are being implemented will be checked. If passengers are not prepared with insulating tape or zipper bags, the airport or airline will be able to distribute zipper bags.

However, this is a recommended measure, so passengers who refuse to implement safety measures will not be punished, but their boarding may be restricted. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will finalize and announce detailed guidelines and implementation schedules related to regulations on carrying auxiliary batteries on board soon.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport hopes that these measures will help to prevent fires caused by auxiliary batteries on passenger planes.

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