Japan to prohibit power banks from all incoming, departing flights

Japan plans to introduce a complete ban on the use of power bank batteries while on the board of aircraft arriving in and departing from the country.

The measure could be implemented as early as April and will be introduced by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

According to the outlet citing sources familiar with the matter, the move comes in response to a growing number of incidents involving overheating and smoke from portable batteries inside aircraft cabins.

The new rules are expected to be approved in March, after which the Japanese government will amend the relevant aviation regulations.

Under the proposed measures, passengers will not be allowed to charge smartphones or other devices using power banks during flights. Charging power banks themselves from in-seat outlets will also be prohibited.

In addition, the number of external batteries a passenger may carry in hand luggage will be limited to no more than two per person.

By Nazrin Sadigova