Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks on all flights beginning October 1, 2025, citing safety concerns over lithium battery incidents in the aviation industry.
The new policy applies to all passengers and covers both charging devices from a power bank and recharging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power outlets.
What is changing
The airline’s updated rules restrict each customer to one power bank with a capacity of under 100 watt-hours. The capacity rating must be clearly available on the device. Power banks may not be placed in overhead bins and are not permitted in checked baggage.
Onboard, they must be stowed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of the passenger. Using a power bank to charge a phone, tablet, laptop or camera is not allowed, and charging a power bank from the aircraft’s power supply is also prohibited.
Why the policy is being introduced
Emirates says the decision follows a comprehensive safety review amid rising use of power banks and an increase in lithium battery–related incidents across the aviation industry. Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells. These batteries move lithium ions through an electrolyte between two electrodes as they charge and discharge. If a battery is overcharged or damaged, it can enter thermal runaway, a self-accelerating condition in which heat generated inside a cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat. This can trigger a rapid temperature rise and, in severe cases, fire, explosions and the release of toxic gases.
Many smartphones and other advanced electronics incorporate internal systems that limit
current and help prevent overcharging. According to Emirates, some basic power banks may
not include comparable safeguards, elevating risk in confined aircraft cabins.
How the changes aim to reduce risk
Prohibiting in-flight use removes a common trigger for overheating by preventing active charging cycles during the flight. Requiring cabin storage in accessible locations enables the trained crew to reach a device quickly and respond if a battery fault occurs.
Emirates says these measures are intended to significantly reduce the likelihood and potential impact of power-bank incidents onboard.
What passengers should know
- Carry only one power bank under 100 Wh, with the capacity rating visible.
- Do not use a power bank to charge any personal device in flight.
- Do not charge a power bank from the aircraft’s outlets.
- Stow the power bank in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat; not in overhead bins.
- Do not place power banks in checked luggage.
Effective date and outlook
The policy takes effect on October 1, 2025. Emirates describes safety as a core value and says it will continue to review and refine procedures to safeguard customers and staff.
