Japan is considering a ban on the use of power banks on flights following incidents in which batteries have emitted smoke or caught fire in aircraft.
An NHK report Wednesday said the transportation ministry has notified domestic airlines that the rule will go into effect in April. The prohibition covers the use of portable batteries to charge electronic devices as well as charging portable batteries using in-flight power outlets.
Each passenger will still be allowed to carry up to two power banks with them onto a flight, according to the report.
A Civil Aviation Bureau official told The Japan Times that the measure is still being discussed and that a policy will likely be announced around late March.
Less than a year ago, the ministry announced new regulations requiring passengers on flights to keep external batteries within sight.
It has already prohibited passengers from storing power banks in checked baggage. All batteries rated at 160 watt-hours or higher are already prohibited from checked and carry-on baggage.
Incidents involving portable batteries have occurred worldwide.
Last October, an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai after a fire broke out in an overhead bin. The airline said the fire was caused by a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage.
Also in the same month, a portable battery emitted smoke onboard an ANA flight from Naha to Tokyo. The fire was extinguished and the flight continued to its destination.
