Emirates Bans In-Flight Use of Power Banks to Mitigate Fire Risks
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Emirates announced that starting October 1, 2025, the use of portable chargers, commonly known as power banks, will be prohibited on all its flights. The Gulf carrier based the decision on a comprehensive safety review and the growing number of lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.
While passengers will still be allowed to carry a power bank in their cabin baggage, using it to charge electronic devices or recharging the power bank itself using the aircraft's power outlets will be strictly forbidden.
According to the airline, this new policy aims to drastically reduce the dangers associated with thermal runaway in lithium batteries. This phenomenon is a self-accelerating overheating process that can occur if a battery is damaged or overcharged, potentially leading to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. The company notes that many basic power banks may lack the overcharge protection systems found in more sophisticated devices like smartphones, thereby increasing the risk.
New Power Bank Rules on Emirates:
Why is Emirates banning their use? To prevent the risk of thermal runaway and fires associated with lithium batteries.
When does the measure take effect? As of October 1, 2025.
Can I still carry a power bank? Yes, one power bank per passenger with a capacity below 100 Wh is permitted.
Where must I store it? It must be kept in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front. Storing it in overhead bins is now explicitly prohibited.
Is it still banned from checked luggage? Yes, this long-standing rule remains unchanged.
The new storage regulation is a critical component of the policy. By requiring power banks to be kept in accessible locations, Emirates ensures that the cabin crew, who are trained for such contingencies, can respond quickly to extinguish a potential fire, often using specialized equipment like fire containment bags.
This policy places Emirates in a more stringent position than many other carriers, which, while adhering to IATA guidelines on the checked luggage ban and the 100 Wh limit, do not typically prohibit their use in the cabin.
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