Business travellers flying with Emirates will no longer be able to use power banks during flights from 1 October 2025, under new safety regulations aimed at reducing the risk of onboard battery incidents.
Passengers may still carry one power bank with a capacity under 100 Watt Hours, but it must remain unused throughout the flight. Charging devices from a power bank, or charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power outlets, will be strictly prohibited.
Other key rules include:
- Carry-on only: Power banks are still banned from checked baggage.
- Accessible storage: Devices must be kept in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in overhead bins.
- Capacity labelling: Accepted power banks must have a visible capacity rating.
The Dubai-based carrier says the move follows a comprehensive safety review prompted by the sharp rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry. Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can enter a dangerous state known as thermal runaway if overcharged, damaged or defective. This can lead to uncontrolled heat build-up, fire, or even explosions.
While many smartphones and high-quality battery-powered devices have safeguards to prevent overcharging, some budget power banks lack these protections, increasing the risk. By keeping power banks accessible and prohibiting use inflight, Emirates says it will allow trained crew to respond quickly in the rare event of a battery fire.
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values,” the airline said in a statement. “This proactive step ensures we continue to safeguard our customers and crew at all times.”
The new regulations apply to all Emirates flights globally. Travellers are advised to check their power bank’s capacity before packing and to plan alternative charging arrangements for long-haul journeys.