Emirates bans power bank usage on all flights from October 1
Passengers can carry only one power bank under strict new conditions
DUBAI: Emirates has announced that from 1 October 2025, the use of any type of power bank will be prohibited onboard its aircraft.
The Dubai-based carrier confirmed that while passengers may still carry one power bank, its usage – whether to charge a device or to be charged using the aircraft’s power source – is no longer allowed in the cabin during flight.
Power banks, typically used to recharge mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other devices, must also comply with new safety storage and labelling requirements.
What are the new rules?
Passengers flying with Emirates will be allowed to carry one power bank, provided it is rated under 100 Watt Hours and has clearly visible capacity labelling. However, usage of the device in any form is strictly forbidden throughout the flight.
Other rules include:
- Power banks must not be charged using the aircraft’s power source
- Power banks must not be placed in overhead bins
- They must be stored either in the seat pocket or under the seat
- Power banks remain prohibited in checked baggage
These measures are part of a broader industry push to reduce lithium battery-related incidents mid-flight.
Why has Emirates introduced this policy?
The airline conducted an extensive safety review and noted the rising number of power bank-related incidents in aviation worldwide. As passenger reliance on portable power sources has grown, so too have safety concerns linked to lithium-ion and lithium-polymer battery packs.
Power banks operate by storing energy in lithium cells. These cells can become unstable if damaged or overcharged, potentially triggering thermal runaway – a dangerous chain reaction where excessive internal heat causes the battery to catch fire or even explode. Such incidents can also release hazardous gases.
While modern phones often have safety features like trickle charging to prevent overcharging, many basic power banks lack such safeguards.
How does the new rule improve safety?
By banning in-flight use of power banks and limiting their storage to easily accessible areas, Emirates aims to give cabin crew better control in case of an emergency. If a battery were to overheat or ignite, rapid access allows trained staff to act swiftly.
The airline reaffirmed that safety remains a core operational value, with proactive policies designed to protect both passengers and crew across all routes.