Emirates has announced that, effective 1 October 2025, passengers will no longer be permitted to use power banks onboard its flights. The airline said the decision follows a comprehensive safety review in response to a growing number of lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.
While customers may still carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours, Emirates has clarified strict new rules:
- Power banks cannot be used to charge personal devices in the cabin.
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power source is prohibited.
- All accepted power banks must clearly display their capacity rating.
- Power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in the overhead bin.
- They remain prohibited in checked baggage.
The airline emphasized that the move aims to mitigate the risks of thermal runaway—a dangerous self-heating process in lithium-ion batteries that can lead to fire, explosion, or the release of toxic gases.
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations,” the airline said in a statement. “These new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks while ensuring cabin crew can respond immediately in the rare event of a fire.”
Emirates reminded passengers that all its aircraft feature in-seat charging points, though customers are encouraged to fully charge devices before boarding, particularly for long-haul flights.
The Dubai-based carrier said the new policy reflects its ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety for both passengers and crew.
