Emirates Airline has announced new rules regarding the carriage and use of power banks on its flights, effective from October 1, 2025. The airline has prohibited the use of power banks onboard all Emirates flights, aiming to enhance passenger safety and reduce risks associated with lithium battery-related incidents.
Under the updated regulations, passengers are allowed to carry only one power bank onboard, provided its capacity is under 100 Watt Hours (Wh). However, passengers will not be permitted to use the power bank during the flight. This means charging personal electronic devices with a power bank or charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply is strictly forbidden.
Emirates also requires that all power banks carried onboard must have clear capacity rating information. Additionally, power banks must not be placed in the overhead bin; instead, they should be kept either in the seat pocket or in a bag placed under the seat in front of the passenger. The longstanding rule prohibiting power banks in checked luggage remains unchanged.
The decision follows a comprehensive safety review by the airline, prompted by the increasing number of passengers using power banks and a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the global aviation industry.
Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which store energy by moving lithium ions between electrodes. If these batteries are damaged or overcharged, they can experience a dangerous phenomenon known as “thermal runaway.”
Thermal runaway occurs when the heat generated within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate that heat, leading to an uncontrollable temperature increase. This can cause fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases, posing serious safety hazards onboard aircraft.
While most modern phones and sophisticated lithium-powered devices have built-in safeguards to prevent overcharging, many basic power banks lack such protections, increasing the risk of battery malfunctions.
By prohibiting the use of power banks during flights and mandating their storage in easily accessible locations, Emirates aims to significantly mitigate the risk of battery fires. In the rare event of a fire, cabin crew can promptly access and extinguish it, ensuring passenger safety remains paramount.
Passengers are advised to comply fully with these new rules when flying with Emirates to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
