Emirates has banned power banks from being used onboard. The rule change will be come into effect October 1, 2025.
The rule change came after the airline conducted a “comprehensive safety review”.
“Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard,” the airline read 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 onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.”
The company noted that damaged or overcharged lithium battery power banks have the risk of experiencing “rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase”, which could lead to fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. Additionally, while more sophisticated lithium batter-powered devices such as smartphones have built-in safeguards to prevent overcharging, Emirates said power banks present a greater risk as they typically lack such a safeguard.
However, the rules state that customers may still bring onboard one power bank that is under 100 watt hours. Customers are also prohibited from using the aircraft's power supply to charge the power bank and are not to be placed in overhead stowage bin. The company said power banks accepted for transport will need to have capacity rating information available.
Emirates already bans power banks in checked luggage — a rule airlines have generally adopted.