Emirates has introduced new safety regulations for passengers carrying power banks on its flights. The airline now allows customers to bring only one power bank with a capacity of less than 100 Watt Hours. Passengers are no longer permitted to use power banks to charge personal devices during the flight, nor can they recharge the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply.
The updated rules require that all accepted power banks display their capacity rating information. Passengers must store their power banks either in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of them, rather than in overhead stowage bins. Power banks remain prohibited in checked luggage, continuing an existing policy.
Emirates stated these changes follow a comprehensive safety review and are intended to address risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices. The airline noted a significant increase in customer use of power banks and related incidents across the aviation industry.
Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can be hazardous if overcharged or damaged. Such situations may lead to thermal runaway—a process where heat generated inside a battery exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, potentially causing fire, explosions, or toxic gas release. While many modern electronic devices have safeguards against overcharging, basic power banks may lack these features.
According to Emirates: “After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.”
The airline added: “Emirates new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft. Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire.”
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices. Emirates is committed to maintaining and improving levels of safety on an ongoing basis, safeguarding customers and staff at all times,” according to the company.
