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Power Banks Grounded: Japan Bans In-Flight Charging
27 Feb
Summary
- Japan will limit power banks on flights and ban onboard use.
- New rules follow several dangerous incidents involving power banks.
- Passengers will be limited to two power banks, charging banned.
Japan's transport ministry is set to introduce significant restrictions on power banks for air travel starting mid-April. Passengers will be limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks, and their use, including charging, will be prohibited during flights. This proactive measure anticipates new international regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
These changes are a direct response to a series of dangerous incidents involving power banks on aircraft. In January of last year, a fire originating from a power bank caused extensive damage to an Air Busan jet in South Korea, injuring 27 people.
Japan has also experienced concerning events, including a power bank fire on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Haneda last April and smoke emission from a battery on an All Nippon Airways flight in October. Major airlines have already advised passengers to keep power banks at their seats for monitoring.
