TOKYO — Japan’s transport ministry has announced that air passengers must keep their power banks in plain sight and not in overhead bins, according to local media reports this week. Starting July 8, passengers flying with all 23 Japan-based airlines must ensure their portable chargers are visible to cabin crew, reported The Asahi Shimbun. According to The Japan Times, passengers are allowed to charge their devices only in locations where cabin crew can monitor the condition of the power bank.
Currently, the Japanese transport ministry prohibits passengers from placing power banks in checked baggage. Batteries exceeding 160 watt-hour (Wh) are banned, and only two battery packs rated between 100Wh and 160Wh are allowed per passenger in carry-on luggage.
This move by Japan follows similar measures taken by other countries and airlines after a number of in-flight fires linked to power banks. On January 28, 2025, an Air Busan aircraft caught fire while preparing for takeoff at Busan’s Gimhae International Airport in South Korea, injuring three people. All 169 passengers and seven crew members were evacuated. The incident was reportedly caused by a power bank.
In response, South Korea implemented new rules starting March 1, requiring passengers to carry portable batteries and chargers on their person. On February 24, the cabin of a Batik Air flight filled with smoke shortly before landing. The plane was en route to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport from Johor Bahru. The smoke was reportedly caused by a burning power bank. No injuries were reported.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, three incidents involving overheating lithium batteries on planes occurred every two weeks in 2024. This compares to just under one incident per week in 2018. In light of growing concerns, multiple airlines have introduced bans on charging power banks during flights and restrictions on their storage.
Since April 1, passengers aboard Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot flights have been prohibited from using power banks to charge personal devices while in-flight. Additionally, SIA and Scoot passengers may not charge power banks using on-board USB ports for the entire duration of the flight.
Thai Airways enforced a complete ban on the use of power banks during flights starting March 15. Passengers are allowed to carry power banks on board only if they comply with capacity limits set by the Thai Civil Aviation Authority. Budget airline AirAsia has also prohibited charging devices with power banks during flights.
Most recently, on June 26, China’s Civil Aviation Administration announced that power banks may only be brought on board if they are clearly marked with the China Compulsory Certification. Power banks that have been recalled by manufacturers for safety issues are not permitted. China has banned the charging of devices using power banks on aircraft since 2014.