JEJU- A passenger suffered a burn injury after a power bank overheated and emitted smoke aboard an HK Express flight approaching Jeju, South Korea, on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The incident occurred on flight UO676 from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Jeju International Airport (CJU), prompting cabin crew to activate safety procedures before the aircraft landed safely.
The flight was carrying 236 passengers and seven crew members when the device began overheating inside a bag beneath a passenger’s seat. HK Express, a low-cost subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), apologised for the incident and confirmed that the affected passenger received medical attention after the aircraft arrived in Jeju.
HK Express Power Bank Overheats
The incident occurred as flight UO676 approached Jeju International Airport. According to HK Express, the power bank was stored inside a passenger’s bag beneath the seat when it started overheating and produced smoke, creating a potential fire hazard in the aircraft cabin.
A woman in her fifties sustained a burn to her left thumb while removing the device from the bag.
South Korean media reported that the passenger was a Hong Kong resident and that the power bank was manufactured locally.
The injury occurred during the handling of the overheating device, although the available information does not establish what caused the power bank to overheat.
The incident nevertheless highlighted the risks associated with carrying lithium-ion batteries aboard commercial aircraft, particularly when a battery develops a fault and begins generating excessive heat.
Crew Activate Safety Procedures
Cabin crew members responded immediately after the power bank began overheating. HK Express said they followed established safety procedures, placing the device inside a heat-resistant fire containment bag before submerging it in water to control the situation.
These measures helped the crew manage the overheating battery while the aircraft continued towards its destination.
The flight landed safely at Jeju International Airport at approximately 6 a.m. local time, according to the airline.
After disembarking, the injured passenger was examined by paramedics and received further treatment at the scene. South Korean media reported that she declined ambulance transport to a hospital, choosing instead to seek medical treatment independently.
No other injuries were reported, and the airline apologised for the incident. HK Express reiterated that passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority and thanked travellers for their patience and understanding during the response.
HK Express Power Bank Rules
HK Express maintains restrictions on the carriage, storage and use of spare batteries and power banks aboard its aircraft.
Under the airline’s stated rules, passengers are prohibited from using in-seat power supplies to charge power banks or using power banks to charge electronic devices during flights, SCMP flagged.
The airline also prohibits passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments. Instead, batteries must remain in cabin baggage placed beneath the seat in front of the passenger or in designated storage locations, such as seatback pockets.
These restrictions are intended to help cabin crew and passengers access battery-powered devices quickly if overheating or smoke occurs.
Lithium-ion battery incidents can escalate rapidly because a damaged or malfunctioning cell may release heat and smoke, requiring immediate attention from trained crew members.
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