Japan bans use of portable chargers on flights from Apr. 24 after battery fire incidents

Travellers flying in Japan will no longer be allowed to use portable chargers on board aircraft from Apr. 24, 2026, following safety concerns linked to lithium-ion battery fires.

The new rules were introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism (MLIT) after recent incidents involving power banks emitting smoke and catching fire during flights.

Under the updated regulations, passengers will also be limited to carrying a maximum of two portable chargers in their cabin baggage.

Portable chargers cannot be used to charge devices on board

According to MLIT, passengers will not be allowed to:

• charge devices using portable chargers in the cabin
• charge portable chargers using aircraft power outlets
• carry more than two portable chargers onboard

The ministry said the move follows an emergency update to international aviation safety standards.

In a statement, MLIT said:

“There have been incidents both domestically and internationally involving mobile batteries emitting smoke and catching fire on board aircraft.”

It added that the new restrictions were introduced to reduce risks associated with lithium-ion batteries during flights.

Rules aligned with global aviation safety standards

The changes come after updated guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which recently revised its safety framework on lithium battery transport.

MLIT said Japan updated its regulations in response to those revisions.

“An emergency revision of the international standards set by ICAO was deliberated by the ICAO Council with the aim of reducing the risks to mobile batteries,” the ministry said.

As part of the update, Japan amended its aviation transport safety rules to introduce stricter limits on battery handling in aircraft cabins.

Airlines begin implementing updated restrictions

Airlines such as Japan Airlines have already issued notices informing passengers of the changes.

In an advisory to travellers, the airline said:

“Effective from April 24, 2026, rules regarding the number of power banks allowed in carry-on baggage and their charging onboard will be changed.”

Prior to the rule change, passengers were already required to keep portable chargers with them in the cabin rather than store them in overhead compartments so their condition could be monitored.

Japan Airlines also reminded travellers that portable chargers remain prohibited in checked baggage.

Policy follows increase in battery-related fires on aircraft

MLIT said the decision was made after a global rise in incidents involving lithium battery overheating during flights.

It noted that updated safety rules were introduced to improve risk management on aircraft.

“In recent years, with the global increase in fires related to lithium batteries on aircraft, the need for risk management has increased,” the ministry said.

Authorities also said travellers who exceed the carry-on battery limit or fail to comply with the new rules may face penalties.

The new regulations will take effect from Apr. 24, 2026.

Top image via Canva, Japan Airlines