Japan to Ban Power Banks on Flights Amid Fire Safety Concerns

The new policy stems from incidents of power banks catching fire or smoking mid-flight.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:22pm

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Japan's transport ministry has notified domestic airlines that the use of portable phone chargers, or power banks, on planes will be prohibited starting in April 2026. The change comes after a number of in-flight incidents where these devices have caught fire or started smoking. Under the new rules, passengers will only be allowed to bring two power banks on board and will not be able to charge them at their seat's power outlet.

Why it matters

The ban on power banks on flights in Japan is a response to growing concerns over the fire risk posed by these devices. Lithium-ion batteries used in power banks can overheat and go into 'thermal runaway,' leading to fires. This has caused several in-flight incidents in recent years, prompting regulators to take action to improve aircraft safety.

The details

Japan's transport ministry has notified domestic airlines that power banks will be banned on flights starting in April 2026. Passengers will only be allowed to bring two power banks on board and will not be able to charge them at their seat's power outlet. The new policy stems from a number of incidents where power banks have caught fire or started smoking mid-flight.

  • The ban on power banks will go into effect in April 2026.
  • In 2025, there were 95 verified lithium battery incidents on U.S. flights involving smoke, fire or extreme heat.
  • In 2024, there were 89 such incidents in the U.S.

The players

Japan's Transport Ministry

The government agency that regulates transportation in Japan and has notified domestic airlines of the upcoming ban on power banks.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. agency that oversees aviation safety and has reported a rise in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries overheating on flights.

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What they’re saying

“Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed.”

— FAA (FAA website)

What’s next

The new policy banning power banks on flights in Japan will go into effect in April 2026.

The takeaway

The rise in incidents of power banks catching fire or smoking on flights has prompted regulators in Japan to take action to improve aircraft safety. This ban highlights the growing concerns over the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and the need for stricter regulations around the use of these devices on planes.