Emirates has announced sweeping new restrictions on the carriage and use of portable batteries, widely known as power banks, in a move aimed at strengthening passenger safety across all flights.
The ban will take effect on October 1, 2025, following a detailed safety review that highlighted the growing risks posed by lithium battery-powered devices onboard aircraft.
Under the new rules, passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours, but it must remain switched off for the entire duration of the flight.
Charging personal devices from a power bank or recharging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply will be strictly prohibited.
More so, power banks can no longer be placed in overhead lockers or checked baggage. Instead, they must be stored either in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of the passenger.
The airline says the decision is driven by increasing incidents within the wider aviation industry involving lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat and enter a dangerous state known as “thermal runaway.”
This self-sustaining chain reaction rapidly raises the battery’s temperature, potentially causing fire, explosions, or the release of toxic gases.
While advanced devices such as smartphones often feature internal safety systems to prevent overcharging, many low-cost power banks lack such safeguards, heightening the risk during flights.
“After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard,” the airline said in a statement.
“There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.”
According to sources, 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 it.
The airline’s safety team noted that keeping these devices within reach of passengers and crew reduces response time in emergencies. This measure is part of Emirates’ broader commitment to maintaining and improving safety standards.
Concerns over the safety of lithium batteries are not new to aviation. In recent years, several international carriers, including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, have implemented similar restrictions.
Some countries have also tightened regulations following in-flight incidents. Earlier this year, South Korea introduced stricter rules after a fire broke out on an Air Busan aircraft, underscoring the hazards associated with portable battery packs.
Industry experts point out that power banks have become increasingly popular among travelers who rely on them to keep smartphones, tablets, and laptops charged during long journeys.
However, their widespread use means airlines face greater exposure to potential onboard battery failures. Emirates stressed that its new rules are designed to strike a balance between convenience and safety.
By allowing passengers to continue carrying compliant power banks but banning their in-flight use, the airline believes it can significantly reduce the likelihood of dangerous incidents without unduly restricting travelers.
