Japonia is introducing stricter rules on portable batteries, banning their use during flights starting April 24. The measure was announced by Ministerul Transporturilor și Turismului din Japonia and reported by Forbes.
Passengers will no longer be allowed to charge devices using power banks, nor use seat power outlets for charging them.
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Triggered by safety incident
The decision follows a January incident at Busan, Coreea de Sud, where a battery caught fire in an overhead compartment, injuring seven people and forcing the evacuation of 176 passengers.
Alignment with international standards
The move follows recommendations from the Organizația Aviației Civile Internaționale and aligns with measures taken by Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Existing rules and growing risks
Japan already bans lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage due to fire risks.
At Aeroportul Haneda, airlines identified over 17,000 lithium batteries in passenger luggage last year, according to NHK.
Passengers are allowed to carry up to two batteries in cabin baggage.
Photo: freepik.com
