Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks during flights.
Although not the first airline to introduce this rule, it is a move driven by growing safety concerns across the aviation industry.
While passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank onboard, it must meet strict criteria: it must be rated below 100 watt-hours, clearly labeled, and stored in a seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead bins or checked luggage. Charging devices from the power bank or recharging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s outlets will no longer be permitted.
The decision follows a comprehensive safety review prompted by a rise in lithium battery-related incidents globally.
Power banks typically rely on lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can pose serious risks if damaged or overcharged. One of the most dangerous scenarios is “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction where excessive heat builds up inside the battery, potentially leading to fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases. While many modern devices include built-in safeguards to prevent overcharging, basic power banks often lack these protections, increasing the risk of malfunction.
Emirates’ new policy is designed to minimise these risks by keeping power banks within reach of cabin crew, allowing for swift response in the rare event of a fire. By banning their use during flights, the airline aims to prevent small technical issues from escalating into airborne emergencies. The move also aligns with broader industry trends, as other carriers around the world begin to adopt similar restrictions.
Ultimately, this change reflects Emirates’ commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence. As portable electronics become more common in travel, the airline is taking proactive steps to ensure that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of safety.
Key Power Bank Rules on Emirates (Effective October 1, 2025)
This policy isn’t about inconvenience, it’s about the safety of all passengers and the plane. Lithium battery fires, while rare, can be catastrophic whilst in-flight. And by taking proactive steps to avoid as much risk as possible, Emirates will introduce and enforce this ban and new rules regarding power bank usage on Wednesday October 1.
- Use is banned during flight: You cannot charge devices from a power bank or recharge the power bank itself while onboard
- Carry-on only: Power banks must be kept in your cabin baggage, and not checked luggage
- Storage location: Power banks must be stored in your seat pocket or under the seat. Overhead bins and in check-in luggage are off-limits.
- Capacity limit: Only power banks rated below 100 watt-hours (Wh) will be allowed onboard Emirates flights
- Labelling required: The power bank must clearly display its capacity in Wh or mAh, and may be checked by crew if necessary
