Mikkel Christensen
Air travel rules are tightening as safety concerns around everyday gadgets grow.
Air travel rules are tightening as safety concerns around everyday gadgets grow.
Passengers flying to and from Japan may need to rethink how they keep their devices charged.
New restriction
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has banned the use of portable power banks on flights, according to BGR.
The rule, which took effect on April 24, 2026, prevents passengers from using power banks to charge devices or plugging them into aircraft systems.
Safety concerns
The decision follows a series of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat, ignite or release smoke under certain conditions.
Authorities cited cases where devices “caught fire or started releasing smoke inside airplanes,” underscoring why these batteries are considered a growing aviation risk.
Tighter limits
The policy also restricts how many power banks passengers can carry onboard.
Travellers are now limited to two units, the report notes, as regulators aim to reduce the chance of onboard battery-related incidents.
Global trend
Japan’s move mirrors a wider industry shift that has been building over the past few years.
Airlines such as Finnair introduced similar bans in early 2026, while carriers including Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Cathay Pacific had already tightened rules following recalls and fire-related concerns.
Staying powered
Despite the restrictions, passengers still have options to keep devices running during flights.
Pre-charging devices before boarding and using in-seat power outlets—where available—remain the most reliable alternatives.
What it means
The tighter rules suggest regulators are becoming more cautious about personal electronics in confined spaces like aircraft cabins.
If incidents continue, similar limits could expand to other battery-powered devices, potentially influencing how future gadgets are designed and what passengers are allowed to carry onboard.
Sources: BGR, NHK World-Japan
