The Japanese government will limit power banks on commercial flights to two per passenger starting April 24, following incidents of fires and smoke emissions, it announced Tuesday. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko said at a press conference that the rules align with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Using or charging the batteries in flight will be prohibited.
The Japanese transport ministry announced Tuesday that new rules limiting power banks to two per passenger on commercial flights will take effect April 24. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko told a press conference the measures address risks from batteries catching fire or emitting smoke.
The regulations align with restrictions set by the International Civil Aviation Organization in March. Power banks exceeding 160 watt-hours are banned onboard, and passengers cannot use them to charge devices or plug them into inflight outlets during flights. Officials urge travelers to charge mobile devices directly from aircraft or airport outlets.
In July last year, the government advised keeping power banks within reach rather than in overhead bins, and portable chargers have been prohibited in checked baggage.