Emirates Enforces New Power Bank Safety Rules For Passengers Starting October 1

From 1 October 2025, Emirates Airlines will impose a ban on the use of all power banks during flights. This decision comes in the wake of a detailed safety review, aimed at curtailing risks associated with these devices.

While Emirates will still allow passengers to bring a single power bank under 100 Watt Hours aboard, its usage to either charge other devices or to be charged from the aircraft's power supply will be strictly forbidden.

Power banks, which are rechargeable battery packs designed for mobile recharging of devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have gained popularity for their convenience. However, the inherent risks they pose, particularly due to the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries they contain, have prompted Emirates to take proactive steps.

These batteries function by moving lithium ions through an electrolyte solution between electrodes, a process that can become hazardous if the battery is overcharged or sustains damage, potentially leading to 'thermal runaway'.

This condition describes a dangerous escalation where a battery's internal heat generation surpasses its ability to cool down, potentially causing fires, explosions, or the release of harmful gases.

In response to the growing use of power banks and a concomitant rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation sector, Emirates has decided to introduce new regulations. These rules are designed not only to prevent the use of power banks onboard but also to ensure they are stored safely within the cabin.

Passengers are required to keep their power banks in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front, not in the overhead bins or checked luggage. This placement strategy is vital for ensuring that, in the event of a fire, the cabin crew can quickly access and extinguish it, significantly reducing the risk of danger to everyone on board.

The comprehensive safety review undertaken by Emirates highlights the potential dangers of power banks, especially those lacking advanced safety features like internal trickle systems that prevent overcharging. While most modern smartphones and devices include these systems, many basic power banks do not, increasing the risk they pose on flights.

By restricting the use of power banks to not being allowed to charge devices or be charged themselves during the flight, Emirates aims to mitigate these risks effectively. The requirement for power banks to have clear capacity rating information furthers this goal by ensuring that only compliant devices are brought onboard.

The airline's approach to safety, particularly in managing the risks associated with lithium batteries, demonstrates its proactive stance in ensuring the well-being of its customers and staff. By making these adjustments to its regulations, Emirates is taking a significant step forward in minimising the hazards that power banks could potentially cause during flights.

It is recommended that passengers fully charge their devices before their journey, especially for longer flights, offering in-seat charging as an alternative to power banks.