Japan is set to implement a ban on power banks aboard flights, a measure that will take effect in April. This decision has been informed by a series of troubling incidents involving lithium battery devices that have ignited or emitted smoke during flights. Reports from NHK World Japan and Japan Today confirm that the country’s transport ministry has communicated this policy change to domestic airlines.
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The impending ban will not only prohibit the use of portable chargers in-flight but also restrict passengers from charging these devices using in-seat power outlets. According to the reports, travellers will be limited to carrying only two power banks in their carry-on luggage. Checked baggage will not be permitted to contain any mobile battery units, aligning with safety protocols that are already observed in the United States.
The decision to legislate against the use of power banks follows recent developments in Japan’s regulations. Last summer, the transport ministry advised travellers to keep power banks within arm’s reach during flights, discouraging stowing them in overhead compartments. This precaution was enacted due to rising safety concerns associated with lithium batteries.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 95 verified incidents of lithium battery-related issues on flights last year. These incidents included reports of smoke, fire, or excessive heat related to portable battery devices. This marked an increase from 89 similar incidents the previous year. Already, there have been five confirmed cases in 2026 as of mid-February.
The FAA attributes these dangerous occurrences to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, where lithium batteries experience overheating. Several factors can induce this condition, including damage to the battery, exposure to excessive temperatures, moisture, overcharging, or manufacturing flaws. Given the unpredictable nature of these events, the FAA has issued warnings to airlines and passengers alike.
A recent emergency landing involving an Alaska Airlines flight highlights the seriousness of the situation. On February 22, Flight 2117, operated by Horizon Air, was forced to make an unscheduled stop after a passenger’s phone and power bank caught fire in the cabin. The flight was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Seattle, Washington, when the incident occurred. Alaska Airlines confirmed that the affected passenger received medical assistance after the situation was contained.
These developments underscore a growing consensus on the need for stricter regulations regarding the use of lithium battery devices in-flight. Airlines and regulatory agencies are prioritising passenger safety in light of increasing reports of hazardous incidents. Japan’s forthcoming ban reflects similar actions taken by authorities worldwide in response to the rising risks associated with portable electronic devices.
As Japan prepares to implement its new regulations, the global aviation community is closely monitoring developments in battery safety. It remains to be seen how these measures will affect passenger behaviour and the use of personal electronics during air travel. With safety at the forefront of aviation practices, these recent decisions mark a significant step towards ensuring secure travel conditions for all.