By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea's top budget carrier Jeju Air was slapped with a 9 billion won ($7.9 million) fine by the government on Thursday, for transporting unauthorized lithium battery powered watches on 20 different occasions.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport finalized the fine as the airline was caught transporting lithium powered wrist watches from countries like Hong Kong without government approval, between April and May, a ministry spokesman said.
Lithium batteries are categorized as dangerous materials as they could lead to a fire.
The final decision comes after the airline requested a review of the ministry's initial penalty imposed in September. The airline claimed the punishment was too severe considering the lithium batteries on wrist watches were subminiature in size compared to that of cell phone batteries, which have caused several fires on aircraft.
However, the ministry stood by the first decision.
“We do not accept the fines and are considering filing an administrative suit for appropriate results,” an official of Jeju Air told The Korea Times.
The government also fined five budget airlines, including Jeju Air, for violating other safety regulations.
Air Seoul was fined 300 million won as the front wheel of its airplane was broken right before takeoff at Incheon International Airport on May 21. The pilot's operation license was also suspended for 30 days.
Korean Air was fined 600 million won and received 30-day suspension for the pilot after its plane taking off from Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia on Aug. 8 flew back due to problems with its pressurization system.
Eastar Jet, Air Incheon and Jeju Air were also fined for other safety violations.
“We will tighten on-the-scene inspection and take stern measures for any violation of aviation safety,” a transport ministry official said.