The recent fire incident aboard an Air Busan Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, prompting a widespread reassessment of lithium battery policies across Asia-Pacific airlines.

The incident, which occurred on January 17, 2025, during the boarding process of flight BX8046 bound for Jeju Island, resulted in the emergency evacuation of all 176 individuals on board, including 169 passengers and seven crew members.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from an overhead compartment, which quickly escalated into visible flames, triggering the plane's fire suppression systems and initiating evacuation protocols.

Preliminary investigations by South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport pointed to a malfunctioning power bank as the likely culprit. The lithium-ion battery within the device reportedly suffered from insulation failure, leading to a thermal runaway event that rapidly increased the battery's temperature and caused it to ignite.

This incident has reignited concerns about the safety of portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries, which have become ubiquitous among air travelers in recent years.

In response to the Air Busan fire, South Korean authorities swiftly implemented new regulations effective March 1, 2025. These measures mandate that passengers must keep power banks and e-cigarettes on their person or in carry-on bags placed under the seat in front of them, rather than in overhead bins.

Additionally, the use of any charging devices during flights has been strictly prohibited. The Korean government has also launched a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols and is considering the implementation of more stringent pre-flight screening procedures for lithium battery-powered devices.

The ripple effects of this incident have extended far beyond South Korea's borders. Airlines across the Asia-Pacific region have been quick to revise their own policies regarding lithium batteries. Thai Airways and AirAsia, for instance, announced new restrictions effective March 15, 2025, which include banning the use of power banks during flights and requiring passengers to declare all lithium battery-powered devices at check-in.

Singapore Airlines has taken a more measured approach, announcing plans to enforce similar restrictions starting April 1, 2025, allowing time for passenger education and staff training.

Taiwanese carriers EVA Air and China Airlines have implemented some of the most stringent measures in the region. Since March 1, 2025, these airlines have completely banned the use of lithium batteries onboard their aircraft. Passengers are required to store all power banks and spare batteries in their carry-on luggage, with strict guidelines on proper packaging to prevent accidental activation or damage.

These carriers have also increased their pre-flight safety briefings to include specific instructions on lithium battery handling.

The incident has sparked a global dialogue on lithium battery safety in aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has convened a special task force to review current guidelines and develop new recommendations for member airlines.

Similarly, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is expediting its review of Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, with a focus on portable electronic devices.

As the investigation into the Air Busan incident continues, aviation experts are calling for a harmonized approach to lithium battery regulations across the industry. Some have proposed the development of "battery passports" – a system that would track the provenance and safety record of lithium-ion batteries from manufacture to end-use.

Others advocate for the installation of specialized fire containment units in aircraft cabins to mitigate risks associated with battery fires.

The Air Busan fire has undoubtedly marked a turning point in how airlines and regulators approach the challenge of lithium battery safety. As the industry grapples with balancing passenger convenience and safety imperatives, it is clear that the landscape of air travel is set to evolve significantly in the coming months and years.

Passengers can expect to see more stringent checks, clearer guidelines, and potentially new technologies aimed at ensuring their safety in the skies.

British Airways’ recent decision to ban cabin crew and other employees from taking or sharing photos and videos at layover hotels marks a significant shift in airline social media policy, reflecting growing industry concerns over security and privacy.

The airline’s directive, which also requires staff to delete existing hotel-related content from their personal social media accounts—including private ones—was implemented following fears that advanced AI tools could use background details in images to pinpoint hotel locations, potentially putting crew members at risk. This move follows a series of incidents, including the death of a British Airways crew member in a San Francisco hotel, that have heightened the focus on staff safety.

The new policy is notably stricter than those of many global competitors. For example, airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qatar Airways actively encourage staff engagement and customer interaction on social media, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase destination highlights, crew experiences, and behind-the-scenes content to build brand loyalty and trust.

Hawaiian Airlines, for instance, has achieved industry-leading engagement rates by spotlighting employees and sharing user-generated content, such as passenger photos and stories, which have proven highly effective in connecting with audiences and humanizing the brand.

Industry data shows that real-time content, employee spotlights, and authentic crew stories drive some of the highest engagement rates across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Airlines that restrict such content may risk missing out on valuable customer interaction and brand advocacy opportunities. However, the move by British Airways highlights the tension between leveraging employee-driven content for marketing and protecting staff from emerging digital threats.

This policy change comes at a time when the airline industry is under intense scrutiny regarding its social media strategies. According to recent analyses, only about 25% of customer questions on airline social media posts receive responses, and negative sentiment remains high, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

While airlines are increasingly using social media for real-time customer service and engagement, British Airways’ approach signals a prioritization of operational security over the marketing and engagement benefits seen in other carriers’ more open social media policies.

Overall, British Airways’ ban on layover hotel photos sets it apart from industry trends that favor transparency and employee-driven storytelling, underscoring the complex balance between brand promotion, customer engagement, and staff safety in the digital age.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha has unveiled "Wildlife Wonderscapes," a striking permanent collection of interactive bronze sculptures created by renowned artists Gillie and Marc. This initiative, spearheaded by Qatar Airways Group, underscores the airline’s dedication to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species, both globally and within Qatar.

The exhibition features a series of large-scale sculptures, including the centerpiece "Wild Table of Love in Doha," a 3.5m x 10.5m artwork weighing six tonnes, which depicts native and endangered animals gathered around a table—a powerful symbol of coexistence and shared space. Other notable pieces include the 10-meter-long "They Were on Wild Ride in Doha" and three variations of the "Falcon with Glove" series, which pay homage to Qatar’s rich falconry heritage.

The sculptures are strategically placed in the ORCHARD, HIA’s indoor tropical garden, enhancing the terminal’s ambiance and reinforcing the message that nature and wildlife are deeply interconnected and must be preserved. The collection, adapted from Gillie and Marc’s globally recognized series, incorporates distinct Qatari elements, such as representations of native species, to resonate with both international travelers and the local community.

HIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Hamad Ali al-Khater, highlighted that airports are unique spaces for movement, connection, and reflection, and that these artworks contribute to making every journey memorable while delivering a powerful conservation message. The artists, Gillie and Marc, expressed their hope that the exhibition would inspire millions of travelers to appreciate the wild and recognize the urgent need to protect it, giving "a voice to the voiceless" and reminding the world that every species matters.

"Wildlife Wonderscapes" is part of Qatar Airways Group’s broader commitment to environmental protection, which includes initiatives like Qatar Airways Cargo’s "WeQare: Rewild the Planet"—aimed at restoring wildlife to their natural habitats—and a partnership with United for Wildlife to combat illegal wildlife trade. Qatar Airways is also the first airline in the Middle East to receive independent certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its anti-trafficking initiatives.

Passengers are encouraged to interact with the sculptures and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #BeTheWildHIA, amplifying the message of wildlife conservation worldwide.

The Hajj Transport and Logistics System has reported robust operations this season, with 62 airlines conducting 3,314 flights to bring pilgrims from 238 destinations across 71 countries.

Saleh Al-Zuwaid, the system’s spokesperson, highlighted the high operational efficiency in receiving and managing the flow of pilgrims, ensuring smooth arrivals and movements throughout the holy sites.

Al-Zuwaid detailed that the Haramain High Speed Rail scheduled 4,700 trips during the season, offering a capacity of up to two million passengers an increase of 400,000 seats compared to last year. 

Trips between King Abdulaziz International Airport Station and Makkah increased by 75 percent, averaging about one trip per hour. By Sunday, the rail service had transported 700,000 passengers and continues to operate to meet demand.

The Mashaer Train is also expected to run over 2,000 trips, facilitating the transport of more than two million pilgrims over seven days.

Innovations in infrastructure include an 82 percent expansion in road cooling technology at the holy sites, effectively reducing road surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius, particularly near Namirah Mosque.

On the communications front, Saad Al-Shanbari, spokesperson for the Hajj Communications and Technology System, announced that 4G and 5G network coverage reached 99 percent in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Internet speeds have risen significantly, with an average of 264 megabits per second a 10 percent increase from last year and speeds in Makkah and Madinah alone reaching 336 megabits per second, up 19 percent. Over 10,000 Wi-Fi access points were deployed in partnership with telecom providers.

Additionally, the Communications and Space Technology Commission, in collaboration with Aramco, successfully implemented an artificial intelligence-based crowd management system using HAI surveillance cameras to enhance safety and efficiency during the pilgrimage.

These comprehensive transport and communication enhancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing pilgrims with a seamless, safe, and technologically advanced Hajj experience.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has officially launched new services to two vibrant Central European capitals, Prague and Warsaw, marking a significant expansion of its European network. The inaugural flight to Prague took place on June 2, followed by the first flight to Warsaw on June 3, both operated four times weekly as part of Etihad’s ambitious plan to add 16 new destinations in 2025.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the strategic importance of these routes:
“Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities.

These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia”.

The new flights are operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 28 Business Studios with fully-flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 262 Economy Smart seats designed for enhanced comfort. Passengers will also enjoy the latest in-flight entertainment technology, ensuring a premium travel experience.

Boosting Tourism and Trade
These new connections are expected to stimulate tourism and trade between the UAE and the Central European countries of Czechia and Poland. Prague, known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires,’ offers a rich tapestry of Gothic architecture, historic squares, and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center.

 Warsaw presents a dynamic blend of elegant historic sites and modern urban culture, making both cities attractive destinations for business and leisure travelers.

Etihad’s Global Expansion and The Extraordinary Challenge
The Prague and Warsaw routes are part of Etihad’s larger global expansion strategy, which includes launching flights to Charlotte, USA, in 2026, and other key cities such as Atlanta, Taipei, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi throughout 2025.

To celebrate its growing network, Etihad has introduced The Extraordinary Challenge, a competition inviting Etihad Guest members to visit 15 of the airline’s new destinations, including Prague and Warsaw, within 12 months.

 The first three participants to complete the challenge will win up to five million Etihad Guest miles, offering a unique incentive to explore the airline’s expanding global reach.

Looking Ahead
In a recent interview, CEO Antonoaldo Neves revealed plans to hire 1,500 new employees next year to support the airline’s growth. With a current workforce of around 12,000, Etihad aims to double its staff by 2030 as it expands its fleet and network.

Etihad Airways’ new routes to Prague and Warsaw not only enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Central Europe but also reinforce the airline’s commitment to providing seamless, comfortable, and rewarding travel experiences worldwide.

At the 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit in New Delhi, Emirates Airline President Tim Clark highlighted a “greater degree of determination” from Boeing’s new leadership in tackling the manufacturer’s longstanding production and delivery challenges.

 Clark acknowledged meaningful progress in stabilizing Boeing’s production lines, a critical factor for Emirates given its massive order of 205 Boeing 777X aircraft.

Originally, Emirates expected deliveries of the 777X years earlier, but Clark confirmed the airline now anticipates receiving its first aircraft between late 2026 and early 2027. This revised timeline reflects ongoing delays caused by complex certification processes, manufacturing issues, and heightened regulatory scrutiny following safety concerns with Boeing’s previous models.

 Despite these setbacks, Clark expressed cautious optimism, noting a “more positive tone” from Boeing regarding the wide-body program’s future.

Clark also used the IATA platform to call on aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus, to take full accountability for persistent supply chain disruptions. He criticized the industry’s tendency to blame external supply chain issues, stating bluntly, “You are the supply chain,” urging OEMs to ensure their suppliers meet delivery commitments.

His remarks underscore growing frustration within the airline industry over chronic delays that hinder fleet modernization and sustainability goals.

Emirates is meanwhile investing heavily in retrofitting its existing fleet, including Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, to maintain service quality while awaiting the 777X deliveries. The airline plans to retrofit 90% of its fleet, reinforcing its position as a leader in premium economy offerings during this interim period.

In summary, while Boeing’s 777X program faces significant delays—pushing first deliveries to late 2026 or early 2027—Emirates remains cautiously hopeful about the aircraft’s eventual introduction.

At the same time, the airline demands greater transparency and responsibility from manufacturers to resolve ongoing supply chain and production challenges that impact the global aviation industry.