Japan to Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks from April

Japan’s transport ministry plans to prohibit the use of power banks on commercial flights as early as April, tightening safety rules amid growing concerns over lithium-ion battery fires.

According to informed sources, the ministry will also limit passengers to carrying no more than two portable power banks each. The measure follows a series of incidents in which power banks have emitted smoke or caught fire during flights, raising alarms about cabin fire risks.

The policy shift aligns with plans by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to introduce updated global guidance on portable battery safety as early as late March. Japanese authorities are expected to move quickly to implement the stricter standards once adopted.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in portable chargers, can pose a fire hazard if damaged, defective or improperly handled. When ignited, these batteries can generate intense heat and are difficult to extinguish. Aviation regulators worldwide have been reassessing safety protocols as passenger use of personal electronic devices and portable chargers continues to grow.

In January last year, a fire broke out aboard a passenger aircraft at an airport in Busan, South Korea. Investigators believe the incident was caused by a power bank that ignited inside an overhead compartment. While such events remain rare, they have heightened scrutiny of how portable batteries are stored and used during flights.

Since July of last year, Japan’s transport ministry and domestic airlines have advised passengers to keep power banks within reach rather than placing them in overhead bins. Travelers have also been instructed to use portable chargers only in areas where their condition can be monitored at all times.

Under the forthcoming rules, passengers will still be permitted to carry power banks in the cabin, but in-flight use will be banned. Limiting the number per passenger is intended to reduce overall risk exposure.

The move reflects broader global efforts to mitigate fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries and enhance onboard safety procedures.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nippon.com