Japan is poised to implement a significant ban on the use of power banks aboard aircraft this spring, driven by escalating fire safety concerns in cabin environments. According to reports from NHK Japan, domestic airlines will soon enforce restrictions that prohibit passengers from utilising portable chargers during flights.
New Aviation Guidelines and Restrictions
The forthcoming regulations, expected to take effect from April, will introduce stringent new guidelines under the Civil Aeronautics Act. These measures specifically target the risks associated with defective lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in power banks and have been linked to overheating incidents on aircraft.
Specific Limitations for Travellers
Under the proposed rules, travellers in Japan will face a cap of two portable chargers per person in carry-on luggage, with each unit not exceeding 160Wh. Current regulations already forbid battery chargers above 160Wh in carry-on baggage, while those under 100Wh remain unrestricted in quantity. Notably, all lithium-ion batteries are already banned from checked luggage, and the new restrictions will extend to banning these devices from charging via onboard power outlets.
Rising Incidents and Global Context
The decision follows a alarming increase in accidents related to mobile batteries. Japan's National Institute of Technology documented 123 such incidents in 2024, marking a staggering 160 per cent rise from the 47 cases recorded in 2020. This trend has prompted global attention, with the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) currently deliberating potential rule changes for flying with power banks.
International Precedents and Recent Events
Japan's move aligns with actions taken by other nations. Airlines in Australia and South Korea have already banned these 'fire hazard' items from plane cabins. In a particularly dramatic incident in January 2025, South Korea's Air Busan prohibited power banks in overhead cabin luggage after a massive fire destroyed one of its planes on the runway, leading to a policy where passengers can no longer store power banks in overhead bins.
Previously, as of last July, Japan allowed power bank use provided they remained in sight and were not stowed in overhead lockers. The shift to a complete ban underscores the heightened vigilance among aviation safety regulators and airlines worldwide, as they grapple with the persistent dangers posed by lithium-ion battery fires during flights.
