Japan urges travellers to keep power banks handy on airplanes for safety
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in power banks, can ignite upon physical impact or due to gradual degradation.
TOKYO - The Japanese government on Tuesday began urging travellers to keep power banks within reach on airplanes following a series of incidents of mobile batteries catching fire on flights, according to Kyodo News Agency.
Airline staff at airports across the country began asking flyers for their cooperation, with staff of All Nippon Airways group at a boarding point at Tokyo's Haneda airport urging against stowing power banks in overhead compartments onboard the aircraft.
"For safety, we would like to ask for understanding and cooperation," one staff member said.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in power banks, can ignite upon physical impact or due to gradual degradation, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Mobile batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, and there are limits on the number and capacity permitted in carry-on luggage.
Earlier this year, a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane at South Korea's Gimhae International Airport, injuring three people. South Korean investigators later said the blaze may have been caused by a power bank.
The transport ministry noted that while similar incidents have occurred on Japanese flights, all have been managed without serious injury or damage thanks to early detection. - BERNAMA-KYODO
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