Japan Bans In-Flight Power Bank Use Starting April 2026

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has announced it will prohibit the in-flight use of portable power banks on passenger aircraft, with the new regulation set to take effect in April 2026. The move addresses growing safety concerns surrounding the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries and aligns Japan with stricter international safety standards for Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs).

The impending ban will apply to all domestic and international flights arriving in or departing from Japan. It specifically prohibits two actions: charging a personal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, with a power bank, and charging a power bank itself using an aircraft’s in-seat power outlet. While in-flight use will be forbidden, passengers will still be permitted to transport power banks under strict conditions.

Japan's New Power Bank Regulations

Under the forthcoming rules overseen by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), a division of the MLIT, passengers will be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks per person. Critically, these devices must be transported in carry-on luggage only; they remain strictly forbidden in checked baggage due to the inability to access and extinguish a fire in the cargo hold. This policy is consistent with existing global standards.

The regulations also enforce capacity limits based on Watt-hours (Wh), a standard measure of battery energy.

• Power banks with a capacity over 160 Wh are completely prohibited from being brought on board.
• Those with a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from the airline to be carried on.
• Devices under 100 Wh are generally permitted in carry-on baggage without special approval, though they will be subject to the new in-flight usage ban.

These capacity limits are in line with guidelines from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which classify power banks as spare lithium-ion batteries.

Rising Safety Concerns Drive Regulatory Action

The decision by Japanese regulators was prompted by a documented increase in battery-related safety incidents. According to Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, there were 123 battery-related accidents reported in 2024, a significant rise from 47 such incidents in 2020. The primary concern is thermal runaway, a chain reaction in a battery cell that can cause it to overheat and ignite, producing intense fire and toxic smoke.

A key event influencing the policy change was a fire aboard an Air Busan flight in January 2025, which is believed to have been caused by a defective power bank. Such incidents highlight the potential for catastrophic failure, especially within the confined space of an aircraft cabin.

Alignment with International Standards

Japan's new rule reflects a broader global trend toward tightening regulations on lithium-ion batteries in aviation. The MLIT confirmed its plan aligns with evolving international guidance. An official from the ministry stated, "The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has prohibited charging mobile battery units on aircraft and is considering recommending a full ban on their use."

This proactive measure brings Japan in line with recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which has issued Safety Information Bulletins advising that power banks not be used or charged during flight. It also follows the precedent set by other nations, including South Korea and Australia, which have already implemented similar restrictions.

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) have long established the framework for transporting these items, mandating that they be protected from short circuits and carried only by passengers in the cabin.

Implementation and Passenger Impact

While the ban is scheduled for April 2026, a final policy announcement with complete details is expected in late March 2026, according to a JCAB official. Airlines operating in Japan will be responsible for communicating these new rules to passengers and ensuring compliance.

For travelers, this change means a greater reliance on in-seat power systems provided by airlines. It also necessitates careful planning to ensure all PEDs are fully charged before boarding, particularly on long-haul flights. Passengers must remain aware of the specific Watt-hour capacity of their power banks and ensure they are packed correctly in their carry-on bags.

Why This Matters

This regulatory action by Japan represents a significant step in mitigating the known fire risk of lithium-ion batteries in the cabin. The move signals a clear industry trend toward prioritizing safety over convenience for high-density energy devices. It places pressure on other national aviation authorities to consider similar bans and reinforces the need for airlines to provide reliable, certified in-seat charging solutions for passengers.

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