IDN FINANCIAL



 

The Japanese government will ban the use of power banks on aircraft starting 24 April. The policy has been issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in response to a rise in fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.

As reported by The Straits Times, under the new rules passengers will no longer be allowed to charge mobile phones or other devices using power banks during flights. The use of power banks connected to cabin power outlets is also prohibited.

In addition, the number of power banks that can be carried into the cabin is limited to a maximum of two units per passenger. Violations of these provisions may result in penalties.

The ministry stated that the revision was made following discussions with international bodies that regulate civil aviation safety. The changes are set out in updated provisions under Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act.

On 14 April, cabin crew and ground staff from domestic airlines under the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan distributed leaflets at Haneda Airport in Tokyo to inform passengers about the new policy and seek their understanding.

Previously, according to The Independent, data from Japan’s national technology agency showed there were 123 incidents involving mobile batteries in 2024, an increase of 160% compared with 47 cases in 2020.

At the global level, the International Civil Aviation Organization is currently discussing possible changes to rules regarding the use of power banks on flights.

This tightening of regulations follows a series of fire incidents involving power banks on aircraft.

In January 2025, Air Busan banned the storage of power banks in overhead compartments after a major fire destroyed one of its aircraft on the runway.