Emirates to introduce new rules for power bank use and storage

Dubai-based Emirates airline will prohibit the use of power banks on all flights from 1 October 2025.

The move follows an internal safety review aimed at reducing the risk of onboard fires, prompted by a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.

Passengers may still carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours (Wh), provided it is stored in a seat pocket or under the seat rather than in overhead bins. This allows trained cabin crew to respond quickly in the unlikely event of a fire.

All power banks must clearly display their capacity rating, and they cannot be charged or used to power personal devices during the flight.

Power banks generally utilise lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries and are used to recharge devices without the need for a wall socket. If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway’, which leads to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase. This can result in fire or an explosion.

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Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries to recharge devices without needing to connect to a mains electricity supply. If such a battery is overcharged or damaged, it can enter a state known as ’thermal runaway’, a rapid, uncontrollable rise in temperature that can lead to fire or even explosion.

While most mobile phones and lithium battery-powered devices have an internal system to prevent overcharging, some basic power banks may not be equipped with this safety feature.

Power banks are already prohibited from being carried in checked-in baggage during air travel.

For more information, visit emirates.com