South Korea’s top budget airline Jeju Air was fined 9 billion won ($8 million) for violating aviation safety laws by flying with lithium battery-powered watches onboard without state authorization. The carrier will appeal, claiming the fine excessive for transport of tiny Li-ion content batteries.

The airliner in April received an administrative penalty notice from the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs for shipping watches equipped with lithium-ion batteries without state clearance.

Lithium-ion batteries are prone to explosion from rising pressure or high stress and have been designated dangerous goods by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The ministry reportedly halved the fine to 9 billion won from the maximum penalty upon deeming the transport had not been a willful breach.

Jeju Air still claimed the fine excessive as the lithium content in watches is small, which is passable for checked baggage by international rules. It plans to appeal for a review.

By Moon Ji-woong and Kim Hyo-jin

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