SKorea's new lithium battery rules on planes highlight growing risk for aviation

South Korea tightened rules on carrying lithium batteries on planes from Saturday, highlighting a growing risk to flights worldwide from the batteries used in cellphones and e-cigarettes which can malfunction to produce smoke, fire or extreme heat. Last year three incidents a fortnight of overheating lithium batteries on planes were recorded globally by the U.S. FAA, compared to just under one a week in 2018. Aviation has long recognised the increasingly used batteries as a safety concern, and rules are periodically tightened in response to accidents. From Saturday, passengers on South Korean airlines should keep power banks and e-cigarettes on their person and not in overhead cabin bins. Devices should not be charged on board, and battery quantity and strength limits will be enforced. Passengers will be permitted to carry up to five 100-watt-hour portable batteries, while batteries over 160-watt-hours won't be allowed on board. The batteries will also need to be stored in clear plastic bags, according to the transport ministry. South Korean travellers flying out of Incheon International Airport, the country's largest airport, told Reuters on Saturday that they were "relieved" by the new rules. "I feel safe since we have new guidelines that can protect us. I was also advised to carry (these batteries) with me when I'm on board, that makes me feel relieved that we can find out immediately when something happens," said 37-year-old Kim Jae-woung. Korean authorities said the measures were in response to public anxiety about fires after an Air Busan plane was consumed in flames in January while waiting to take off.<br/>