No More Using Power Banks On Flights To Japan. Here’s What Malaysians Must Know

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Malaysians flying to Japan soon, take note: while power banks are still allowed on board, using them mid-flight could now land you in serious trouble

Starting 24 April 2026, Japan is rolling out strict new aviation safety rules targeting portable chargers, following a rise in battery-related fire incidents on aircraft worldwide.

The new regulations come from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), in line with updated international safety standards.

You can bring power banks on board, but you are not allowed to use them

Passengers are still allowed to carry power banks, but using them during the flight is strictly prohibited.

This includes:

• Charging your phone or laptop using a power bank
• Charging the power bank itself using the plane's USB ports or power outlets

However, you can still charge your devices directly using the aircraft's built-in power supply, if available.

Only two power banks per passenger

The new rules also introduce a hard cap:

• Maximum two power banks per person
• Each unit must not exceed 160Wh

This applies regardless of size; even smaller everyday power banks fall under this total limit.

The restriction specifically targets "mobile batteries", meaning power banks used to charge other devices.

If you're carrying spare batteries (like for cameras or drones):

• Batteries under 100Wh currently have no restrictions
• They must still be properly protected from short-circuiting

Where you store it now matters

Passengers must also follow stricter handling rules:

• Power banks must be in carry-on baggage only
• They cannot be placed in checked luggage
• They must be kept within reach, such as in a seat pocket or under the seat
• Storing them in overhead compartments is not allowed

According to MLIT, the reason is that if a battery overheats or catches fire, it must be spotted and handled immediately.

Why the sudden crackdown?

Authorities say the move comes after a global increase in smoke and fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries on aircraft.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) approved emergency updates to safety standards in March 2026, prompting Japan to act quickly.

While the announcement itself doesn't spell out exact punishments, it states that violations fall under Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act

Under that law, offenders can face:

• Fines of up to 1,000,000 yen (around RM25,000)
• Up to two years in prison in serious cases

These penalties apply to breaches such as exceeding limits, improper storage, and ignoring the no-usage rule.

What this means for Malaysians flying to Japan

If you're flying with airlines like AirAsia X or other budget carriers, this rule could hit harder, as many of these aircraft don't have seat power outlets, which means:

• You won't be able to use your power bank
• You may have no way to charge your phone at all during the flight

In short, whatever battery you have when you board is what you'll be stuck with until landing.

You can still bring your power bank, but you must not use it during the flight. With strict enforcement and heavy penalties in place, this is one travel rule you don't want to test at 30,000ft.

Here's a summary of the Japan flight rules on power banks: