Japan is set to tighten aviation safety regulations with a new restriction that will ban the use of power banks on board aircraft, while also clarifying how many passengers may carry.
The policy, confirmed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, is scheduled to take effect from April 2026 and will apply to all flights departing from or arriving in Japan, including both domestic and international services.
No In-Flight Charging Under New Rules
Under the new regulation, passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights. This means mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices cannot be charged with portable batteries once on board.
While the restriction targets usage rather than carriage, enforcement responsibility will rest with airlines operating to and from Japan, all of which have already been notified.
Carriage Limits Remain Largely Unchanged
Before the ban fully comes into force, travellers will still be allowed to carry power banks under the following limits:
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Batteries above 160 watt-hours are completely prohibited
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Up to two batteries of 160 watt-hours or less are allowed per passenger
Currently, passengers may carry unlimited power banks under 100 watt-hours and up to two between 100 and 160 watt-hours. The upcoming policy does not significantly alter these limits but eliminates in-flight use entirely.
Rising Battery Incidents Prompt Action
Japanese authorities cite a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery incidents as a key reason for the move. According to data from Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, 123 battery-related accidents were recorded in 2024, up from 47 in 2020, with many incidents linked to overheating during charging.
The policy aligns with ongoing safety deliberations at the International Civil Aviation Organization, which has already prohibited charging portable batteries in aircraft cabins and is considering broader global guidance.
Airlines Already Enforcing Similar Bans
In September 2025, Nairametrics reported that several major airlines had already banned the use of power banks during flights due to lithium battery risks.
Under current and upcoming guidelines:
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Power banks must remain in hand luggage
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They must be visible and unplugged throughout the flight
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Checked baggage storage is strictly prohibited
The approach follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration, which has cautioned that all lithium-ion batteries can overheat and may experience thermal runaway.
Airlines With Existing Power Bank Usage Bans
Japan now joins a growing list of carriers that allow power banks in cabin baggage but prohibit their use during flights, including:
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Emirates
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Singapore Airlines
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Scoot
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EVA Air
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Thai Airways
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AirAsia
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Tigerair
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Starlux Airlines
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China Airlines
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Malaysia Airlines
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Firefly
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MASwings
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Vietnam Airlines
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Vietjet Air
What Passengers Should Do
Passengers flying to or from Japan are advised to:
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Fully charge devices before boarding
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Reduce the number of power banks carried
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Check watt-hour ratings carefully
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Follow all cabin crew instructions
Japanese airlines have already advised passengers to keep power banks within reach and out of overhead bins. From April 2026, any in-flight use will be prohibited entirely.
While the change may inconvenience frequent flyers and business travellers, regulators say it is a necessary step to address a growing safety risk—one aimed at keeping air travel among the safest modes of transport.
