Emirates has announced new safety regulations restricting the use of power banks on all its flights, a decision that came into effect on October 1, 2025. The airline, in a statement issued Tuesday, confirmed that passengers are no longer permitted to use power banks for charging devices during travel. While the use of such portable charging units has become commonplace among travelers, Emirates said the move was necessary following a safety review that highlighted risks associated with lithium battery incidents in the aviation industry.
The new policy applies to Emirates’ entire fleet and introduces a set of detailed requirements for passengers carrying power banks onboard. Passengers are allowed to bring one unit with a maximum capacity of 100Wh, but it cannot be used to charge devices during the flight, nor can it be recharged through the aircraft’s power supply. The airline also requires that every unit must clearly display its capacity rating, and all power banks must be stored either in the seat pocket or under the passenger’s seat, rather than in overhead compartments. Power banks continue to remain prohibited in checked baggage. Emirates reminded passengers that all its aircraft are equipped with in-seat charging ports and strongly encouraged travelers to fully charge their devices before boarding, particularly for long-haul flights.
The decision to prohibit usage is rooted in growing concerns about lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which power most portable chargers. These batteries pose potential fire hazards if damaged, overheated, or overcharged. In extreme cases, a chemical chain reaction known as thermal runaway can occur, leading to overheating, fire, or even explosions. Aviation regulators worldwide have flagged such risks, and incidents involving personal electronic devices have prompted airlines to strengthen safety procedures. By requiring that power banks be stored in accessible areas of the cabin and preventing their use in charging, Emirates said the new measures will help cabin crew respond immediately in case of an emergency situation.
Emirates emphasized that safety continues to be its foremost operational priority, with the updated rules designed to minimize potential hazards while still ensuring passenger comfort. The airline noted that in-seat charging options are available in all travel classes, enabling passengers to keep devices powered during flights without relying on portable chargers. With the implementation of these regulations, Emirates joins a growing number of international carriers taking stricter steps to manage lithium battery-related risks in air travel, underscoring the industry-wide focus on balancing convenience with safety standards for millions of passengers.
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