A joint investigation team conducts a safety inspection ahead of an on-site examination of Tuesday's Air Busan plane fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Friday. Yonhap

Calls are growing for stricter regulations on transporting batteries aboard commercial flights following Tuesday's Air Busan plane fire, which is suspected to have been caused by a battery in a carry-on bag stowed in an overhead compartment.

In response, the government is reportedly reviewing new procedures for handling batteries to ensure passengers can transport them more safely.

The fire broke out while the plane was preparing for takeoff at Gimhae International Airport in Busan. All 176 people aboard were evacuated safely, although seven sustained minor injuries.

While the exact cause is still under investigation, authorities suspect that a battery stored in an overhead bin may have ignited.

Batteries, classified as hazardous materials, are banned from checked luggage by most airlines, and must be carried by passengers into the plane cabin. Lithium-ion batteries used in electronic devices pose an explosion risk if exposed to shock or heat.

Some airlines have already started making in-flight announcements, asking passengers to keep batteries with them, rather than stowed away in overhead bins.

Since May 31 last year, Korean Air has been encouraging passengers to keep lighters and batteries with them, broadcasting the message five minutes before takeoff.

Air Busan, the airline involved in the recent fire, also stated that it makes similar announcements twice before takeoff.

However, since most airlines only notify passengers through in-flight announcements, many travelers remain unaware of the need for this practice.

Consequently, passengers often store these items in overhead bins where luggage is typically placed.

As a result, there are growing calls for stricter regulations on the management of fire-risk items including batteries.

Kim Kwang-il, a professor at the Department of Aeronautical Science and Flight Operation at Silla University, emphasized the need for standardized regulations across airlines.

"While each airline has its own rules for transporting batteries onboard, the lack of consistency underscores the need for aviation authorities to establish unified standards," he said.

Kim also suggested that passengers be properly informed and encouraged to store electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries in the seat-back storage pocket.

"Since these devices are commonly used during flights, enforcing such regulations should not cause significant inconvenience to passengers," he said.

A notice indicating the allowed quantity of lithium batteries for carry-on luggage is displayed at the departure area of Incheon International Airport, Thursday. Yonhap

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, there have been 23 portable battery fires on airplanes in Korea over the past five years.

Most of the fires were contained quickly, within 20 seconds to three minutes. However, one battery fire aboard an Asiana Airlines flight last April took nearly five minutes to extinguish.

This highlights the importance of early detection and swift action in response to heat generation, which could play a crucial role in preventing such incidents involving batteries.

Lee Gun-young, a professor at the Department of Aeronautical Science and Flight Operation at Korea National University of Transportation, emphasized that accidents involving aircraft cannot be effectively addressed by regulations in just one country.

"After reviewing current regulations, the Korean government should notify the International Civil Aviation Organization to encourage the international community to update global standards," he said.

Meanwhile, a joint investigation team consisting of the land ministry's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety, the National Forensic Service, police forensic experts and fire departments will conduct an on-site inspection on Monday of the charred Air Busan plane.

The joint investigation team has removed hazardous materials, including disconnecting emergency oxygen cylinders, and has completed 3D imaging of the site.