Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Emirates Airline has announced new safety regulations banning the use of power banks onboard its flights, effective October 1, 2025. While passengers will still be allowed to carry a single power bank that meets specific conditions, the devices cannot be used during the flight, either to charge personal electronics or to be recharged via the aircraft’s power supply.
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A power bank is a portable rechargeable device designed to provide power to smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and other electronic gadgets, a Dubai Media Office report said.
Emirates’ move comes after a comprehensive safety review prompted by a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.
New regulations on power banks
Under the new rules, passengers may carry one power bank onboard provided it is under 100 Watt Hours (Wh) in capacity and the device’s battery capacity information is clearly labeled. Power banks must not be used during the flight, this includes charging personal devices or charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s electrical outlets.
Passengers are also required to store power banks in their seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of them. The devices are strictly prohibited from being placed in overhead bins or checked luggage, with the latter remaining an existing rule.
Safety concerns drive the change
Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution. During charging and discharging, these ions move between electrodes inside the battery. However, if a battery becomes overcharged or damaged, it can enter a hazardous condition known as “thermal runaway.” This self-accelerating reaction causes a rapid rise in temperature that may lead to fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases.
While many modern smartphones and lithium battery-powered devices incorporate internal safety mechanisms that regulate charging to prevent overcharging, basic power banks may lack these protections, increasing the risk of battery failure.
Given the growing number of passengers carrying and using power banks onboard, Emirates aims to reduce risks by prohibiting their use in-flight and ensuring that power banks are stored within easy reach of cabin crew. This positioning allows trained staff to swiftly respond in the unlikely event of a fire emergency involving a power bank.
Commitment to passenger safety
Safety remains a core value at Emirates and a fundamental aspect of all its operations. The airline emphasized that the new power bank restrictions form part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing safety for both customers and crew.
Emirates encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with these changes ahead of their flights to avoid inconvenience and ensure compliance with the new safety standards.
