News Japan to ban mobile batteries on flights

Japan's transport ministry has decided to ban the use of mobile batteries (portable chargers) on aircraft, possibly starting as early as April. The ban follows a series of in-flight incidents in which the devices caught fire, most involving lithium-ion portable chargers.


A similar incident occurred in South Korea in January last year, when a battery stored in an overhead bin above passenger seats ignited, causing damage to the aircraft. Japanese airlines have since logged further incidents, including smoke and small fires while the chargers were plugged in. The reports have kept pressure on regulators to tighten rules on onboard battery use.

In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has decided to ban the use of such batteries on board aircraft from around April. The new rules will prohibit passengers from using mobile batteries to charge smartphones or from charging the batteries themselves during flights. While passengers will still be allowed to bring mobile batteries onto aircraft, the number permitted per person is expected to be limited to two.

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