Emirates Implements New Safety Rules for Power Bank Usage Onboard

Emirates has announced that, starting 1 October 2025, the use of power banks will be prohibited onboard all flights. While in-seat charging remains available on all aircraft, passengers are encouraged to fully charge their devices prior to flying, especially for long-haul journeys.

A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device designed to provide power to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Passengers are still allowed to carry one power bank onboard, but its use during the flight is not permitted. This means power banks cannot be used to charge devices nor be charged themselves using the aircraft’s power supply.

Emirates’ power bank regulations include:

• Passengers may carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours.

• Power banks cannot be used to charge devices onboard.

• Charging power banks from the aircraft’s power supply is not allowed.

• Power banks must display capacity rating information.

• Power banks cannot be placed in overhead bins; they must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of the passenger.

• Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).

Reason for the change
Emirates’ move follows a comprehensive safety review, addressing the growing number of lithium battery-related incidents in the aviation industry. Power banks, which contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, carry a risk of thermal runaway—a self-accelerating process that can cause overheating, fires, explosions, and toxic gas release if a battery is overcharged or damaged.

While modern smartphones and advanced lithium-powered devices include safeguards against overcharging, many basic power banks do not, increasing the risk onboard aircraft. By prohibiting their use in-flight and requiring storage in accessible locations, Emirates ensures cabin crew can respond quickly in the rare event of an incident.

Commitment to safety
Safety remains a core value at Emirates. The airline emphasizes that these new regulations are part of its ongoing commitment to protecting passengers and crew and maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.