In a move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, Emirates airline has announced new regulations that will ban the use of power banks on all its flights starting from 1 October 2025. This policy change comes after a comprehensive safety review that highlighted the increasing risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered devices onboard aircraft.
What are the new rules on Emirates flights?
Passengers can still carry one power bank onboardprovided it has a capacity under 100 Watt Hours and the capacity rating information is clearly available.
Power banks cannot be used to charge devices during the flight.
Charging power banks using aircraft power supplies will also be prohibited.
Power banks must be stored within reacheither in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front, not in overhead luggage compartments.
Power banks remain banned from checked luggagea rule already in place.
These measures are designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery-related incidents such as overheating, fire, explosions, and toxic gas release on board Emirates flights.
Why is Emirates taking these steps?
The decision stems from a rise in incidents involving lithium-ion battery overheating on planes across the aviation industry. These portable chargers contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that, if overcharged or damaged, can go into “thermal runaway” – a rapid temperature increase that can lead to dangerous consequences like fires and explosions.
Emirates highlighted that basic power banks might lack internal safeguards against overcharging, increasing the potential for such risks. By banning usage while on board and restricting storage to accessible locations, cabin crew can respond quickly in emergencies to minimise harm.
Other airlines impose similar bans on power banks
Emirates is the latest major carrier to enforce such safety protocols. Several airlines in Asiaincluding Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways, have introduced similar bans. In the US, Southwest Airlines also requires passengers to use portable chargers in plain sight to monitor safety.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority advises careful handling of lithium batteries, recommending their transport in carry-on baggage with protections against short circuits.
What this means for passengers
Passengers flying with Emirates after 1 October 2025 should prepare for these new safety requirements by:
Carrying only one power bank with a verified capacity under 100 Wh.
Not using the power bank for charging devices during flight.
Keeping the power bank stored under the seat or in the seat pocket.
Avoiding placing power banks in overhead bins or checked baggage.
These changes reaffirm Emirates’ commitment to passenger and crew safety in an era of growing electronic device usage during travel. Passengers are advised to check airline guidelines for updates and prepare accordingly before their journeys.
