The incident occurred on September 24 at approximately 21:00 on Air Seoul flight RS511. The aircraft was preparing to depart from Incheon International Airport for Da Nang, Vietnam, when a passenger's luggage under a seat began to smoke and caught fire. The crew extinguished the flames using bottled water before firefighters arrived.
There were 221 passengers and 7 crew members on board. While some passengers experienced respiratory discomfort, no hospitalizations were required. Following the incident, all passengers disembarked. A total of 219 passengers boarded a replacement flight, while two individuals chose to cancel their travel plans.
Preliminary reports suggest a power bank stored inside the luggage caused the fire. Air Seoul has announced plans to strengthen its safety control measures. South Korean airlines currently prohibit the use of power banks during flights, though passengers are permitted to carry them if terminals are covered with insulating tape or if the devices are kept in separate bags.
