Emirates bans in-flight use of power banks from October 1, citing safety risks and industry incidents/Image: Emirates
Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates will strictly ban the use of power banks on all its flights. Passengers can still carry one power bank under 100Wh in their carry-on but are prohibited from using or charging it during the flight. Travelers are advised to follow the new rules closely to avoid inconvenience.
What the new Emirates policy says
Under the revised guidelines, passengers on Emirates flights will be allowed to carry only one power bank in their hand luggage, subject to specific safety requirements. However, using power banks onboard will no longer be permitted in any form.Here are the full details of the policy:
- Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours.
- Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard.
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.
- All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.
- Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Passengers are advised to keep the power bank within reach, allowing cabin crew to respond quickly in the event of overheating or malfunction.
Why Emirates is introducing this ban
The ban stems from safety assessments and growing global concern over lithium-ion battery hazards, particularly those associated with portable power banks. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, the core components of most power banks, are known to carry thermal runaway risks, a phenomenon where a battery’s temperature increases uncontrollably, potentially leading to fire, explosion, or toxic gas release. The underlying mechanism involves lithium ions moving through an electrolyte between two electrodes. If the battery is overcharged, physically damaged, or manufactured without proper safeguards, the electrolyte may overheat. In such cases, the battery may undergo thermal runaway, where heat production outpaces heat dissipation, triggering combustion or explosion.Emirates has stated that the risk is particularly high with low-cost or unregulated power banks, which may lack essential safety controls like temperature regulation or automatic shut-off mechanisms.
Emirates responds to industry trends and battery related incidents
Emirates is not alone in tightening its policy on portable batteries. Other major carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, EVA Air, China Airlines, and AirAsia, have already implemented restrictions on using power banks in-flight.The move follows high-profile safety incidents, including a January 2023 fire on an Air Busan Airbus A321, believed to be caused by a power bank. The incident left 27 passengers injured and led to renewed aviation-sector calls for stricter battery safety protocols.
What passengers need to know before flying
To ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues at boarding, Emirates recommends that passengers take the following precautions:
- Pre-charge all devices before arriving at the airport.
- Use the aircraft’s in-seat charging points (where available) instead of personal power banks.
- Verify the watt-hour rating on your power bank; it must be under 100 Wh and clearly marked.
- Store the power bank in the seat pocket or under-seat bag, not in the overhead compartment.
- Never place power banks in checked baggage.
- Comply with all crew instructions regarding battery handling and safety.
Passengers who fail to meet the guidelines risk having their power bank confiscated at the gate or denied boarding in extreme cases, as safety takes precedence.
FAQs:
Q. Can I still bring a power bank on my Emirates flight?Yes, you can bring one power bank under 100Wh in your carry-on, but it must not be used or charged during the flight.Q. Where should I store my power bank during the flight?Store it in your seat pocket or under the seat, placing it in overhead bins is not permitted.Q. Can I pack my power bank in my checked luggage?No, placing power banks in checked baggage is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.Q. Will Emirates provide alternatives to charge my devices in-flight?Yes, you may use the in-seat charging ports available on many Emirates aircraft, but not your own power bank. Go to Source
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