Emirates Airline has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of power banks during flights, effective October 1, 2025. The Dubai-based carrier stated the decision follows a thorough safety review, which identified increasing risks associated with lithium battery incidents in aviation.
While passengers will still be permitted to carry one power bank under 100Wh, the devices are strictly prohibited from being used to charge electronic items onboard. Furthermore, power banks cannot be recharged using the aircraft’s power supply.The new regulations also specify that all power banks must clearly display their capacity rating. For safety, they must be stored in the seat pocket or under the passenger’s seat, rather than in the overhead lockers, ensuring cabin crew have immediate access in case of an emergency. Power banks remain completely banned from checked baggage.Emirates highlighted the universal availability of in-seat charging ports across its fleet as an alternative. However, the airline strongly recommends that travellers fully charge all personal electronic devices before boarding, especially for long-haul journeys.
The policy is a direct response to the growing use of portable chargers, which has coincided with a rise in industry-wide incidents involving lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. These batteries can pose a significant fire hazard if damaged, defective, or overcharged.By implementing this ban, Emirates aims to minimize potential risks and enhance overall passenger safety. The airline reiterated that safety remains its utmost operational priority, and these measures are designed to ensure a secure travel environment while maintaining comfort with accessible charging options at every seat.
