From October 1, 2025, Emirates Airlines will enforce new restrictions on power banks during all flights, citing passenger safety as the driving factor. The Dubai-based carrier confirmed that passengers will no longer be allowed to use portable battery packs to charge devices in the air, nor will they be able to charge the power banks themselves using the aircraft’s power supply.
The move comes after a series of in-flight incidents around the world involving lithium-ion batteries, including cases where power banks ignited and caused fires. Emirates says the decision follows a comprehensive safety review aimed at reducing such risks.
“Prohibiting the use of power banks while on board significantly reduces the chance of fire,” the airline said in a statement. “Keeping them in accessible locations within the cabin ensures trained crew can quickly respond if an issue arises.”
Conditions for Carrying Power Banks
Passengers will still be permitted to carry one power bank in their cabin baggage, provided it is rated below 100 watt-hours and clearly labeled with capacity information. As before, the devices are banned from checked baggage. Emirates also requires that they be stored either in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in the overhead bins, to ensure any overheating is detected quickly.
Expert Warnings on Lithium Batteries
Aviation safety experts say the danger lies in the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries found in most power banks. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development, MENA at the NFPA, explains that these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode when exposed to physical damage or high temperatures.
“In an aircraft environment, with limited ventilation and fluctuating pressure, the risks are heightened,” Kamal said. “Thermal runaway can occur, leading to extreme heat, fire, toxic gas, or even explosions.”
Pilot and aviation analyst Hans-Georg Rabacher noted that overheating often begins in one battery cell, triggering a chain reaction across others. Temperatures during such incidents can exceed 1,000°C, creating an immediate hazard.
The Role of Quality and Storage
Experts also caution that poorly manufactured power banks present a greater risk, as they may lack proper safety mechanisms. David C., General Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, urged passengers to invest in certified, high-quality devices. “They may look the same externally, but internally, the difference can be life-saving,” he said.
Proper storage is equally important. Placing a charging power bank in a confined space like an overhead bin or seat pocket without ventilation can trap heat, increasing the risk of fire. Rabacher adds that visible damage, strange odors, or unusual heat should always be taken seriously.
A Global Aviation Concern
The Emirates ban reflects a wider trend. Airlines worldwide are tightening restrictions on lithium batteries after a rise in related incidents. FAA data shows the number of in-flight or pre-flight overheating battery events has more than doubled in the past six years. Earlier this year, an Air Busan aircraft suffered a serious fire on the ground, believed to have been caused by a power bank.
With safety experts stressing early detection and passenger awareness, Emirates hopes its new measures will set a stronger standard for preventing battery-related accidents in the skies.
