From 1 October 2025, Emirates passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights, in a move aimed at strengthening onboard safety and reducing the risks linked to lithium batteries.
The decision follows a comprehensive safety review and comes amid rising global concern over lithium battery-related incidents in aviation. Power banks—portable chargers for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras—have grown in popularity in recent years, but many contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that can overheat, catch fire, or even explode in rare but dangerous events known as thermal runaway.
The new rules
Under the updated regulations, Emirates passengers may still carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours, but with strict conditions:
No charging devices with a power bank while onboard.
No charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply.
The capacity rating must be visible on the device.
Power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in the overhead bin.
As before, power banks are not allowed in checked luggage.
The airline says storing them in accessible cabin locations ensures that if a rare battery fire occurs, trained crew can respond immediately.
Why the change matters
Thermal runaway occurs when heat inside a battery cell builds faster than it can escape, leading to uncontrolled temperature spikes. This can trigger fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. While most smartphones have safeguards to prevent overcharging, many low-cost or basic power banks lack these protections.
By banning in-flight use, Emirates hopes to eliminate a major risk factor while still allowing passengers to carry portable chargers for use before or after their journey.
The move underscores Emirates’ commitment to safety—a “cornerstone” of its operations—and mirrors a growing trend of stricter lithium battery policies in global aviation.
