Emirates Implements Banned Power Bank: What Travelers Need to Know
As the aviation industry prioritizes passenger safety, Emirates Airlines has announced significant changes to its power bank policies aboard all flights. These new regulations, taking effect from October 1, 2025, reflect the airline’s proactive approach to addressing the growing concerns around lithium battery-related incidents in aviation.
Understanding the New Power Bank Policy
Key Restrictions for Emirates Flights
Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates passengers face comprehensive restrictions on power bank usage during flight. While travelers can still carry power banks onboard under specific conditions, their use during the flight is now completely prohibited.
Essential requirements for carrying power banks:
Single device limit: Passengers may carry only one power bank per person.
Capacity restrictions: Power banks must be under 100 Watt Hours.
Clear labeling: All devices must display capacity rating information.
Proper storage: Power banks must be stored in seat pockets or bags under the seat in front—not in overhead compartments.
No checked baggage: Power banks remain prohibited in checked luggage (existing rule)
What’s Prohibited During Flight
The new regulations specifically ban several activities:
Charging personal devices using power banks while onboardemirates
Charging power banks using the aircraft’s power supplyemirates
Placing power banks in overhead storage compartmentsemirates
The Science Behind the Safety Concerns
Understanding Thermal Runaway
Aviation safety experts have identified thermal runaway as the primary concern with lithium battery devices. This dangerous phenomenon occurs when heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to uncontrollable temperature increases that can result in fires, explosions, and toxic gas release.
The risks are particularly heightened at altitude, where factors such as cabin pressure, temperature fluctuations, and limited oxygen can impact battery performance significantly. When thermal runaway begins in one battery cell, it can trigger a devastating chain reaction with temperatures exceeding 1,000°C.
Industry-Wide Incident Trends
The aviation sector has witnessed a sharp increase in lithium battery incidents. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded an average of three incidents every two weeks involving overheating lithium batteries on aircraft worldwide in 2024—a significant rise from just under one incident per week in 2018.
Quality Concerns and Manufacturing Standards
Safety experts emphasize that low-quality power banks manufactured without rigorous testing pose the greatest risks. Many basic power banks lack internal trickle systems that slowly add current to prevent overcharging, unlike sophisticated devices such as smartphones.
David C., General Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, notes that while the UAE maintains excellent safety standards, some very low-quality power banks manufactured globally could pose significant dangers during flights. This highlights the importance of investing in internationally certified power banks with proper safety mechanisms.
Cabin Crew Response and Accessibility
Emirates’ decision to require power banks to be stored in accessible cabin locations ensures that trained cabin crew can quickly respond in the rare event of a fire. This strategic placement allows for immediate intervention, as crew members can quickly notice warning signs such as smoke, heat, or unusual odors and take rapid action.
Travel Tips for Emirates Passengers
Pre-Flight Preparation
Before traveling with Emirates:
Verify your power bank capacity is under 100Wh
Ensure capacity rating is clearly visible on the device
Invest in quality power banks with international certifications
Conduct visual inspections for damage, scratches, or wear
Check for unusual odors or excessive heat
Alternative Charging Solutions
Travelers can still maintain device connectivity through:
Fully charging devices before departure
Using aircraft power outlets for direct device charging
Carrying multiple pre-charged devices if necessary
Planning layover charging strategies for long-haul journeys
Industry Context and Future Developments
Emirates joins a growing number of airlines worldwide implementing stricter lithium battery regulations. Earlier this year, Air Busan became one of the first airlines to restrict power banks in overhead cabin bins after a plane fire incident believed to be caused by power bank overheating.
Technology manufacturers are responding to these safety concerns by developing alternative battery technologies, including nickel-metal hydride, alkaline batteries, and even capacitor-based power storage solutions that may offer safer alternatives for future travel.
Impact on Travel Planning
For travelers booking flights with Emirates through platforms like Beyond Travels, these new regulations necessitate careful preparation and planning. Understanding these requirements helps ensure smooth airport security processes and compliance with airline policies.
The aviation industry’s commitment to passenger safety continues to evolve, with airlines like Emirates leading proactive measures to address emerging risks. While these changes may require adjustment in travel habits, they represent crucial steps toward maintaining the highest safety standards in commercial aviation.
These regulations apply to all Emirates flights globally and affect passengers regardless of departure or destination airports.