Emirates has become the latest airline to impose restrictions on power banks onboard, joining other carriers that began banning in-flight charging earlier this year after a series of lithium battery-related incidents worldwide. From 1 October 2025, passengers will not be allowed to use any type of power bank during Emirates flights. Only one portable, rechargeable device under 100 watt hours, designed to power electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and cameras, may be carried. Charging power banks via the aircraft’s power supply is prohibited, and they must not be stored in overhead bins or checked in. Instead, they must be kept in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front.
Emirates has introduced new regulations to reduce risks from power banks onboard, following a safety review prompted by the rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry. Power banks, which use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, can pose fire and explosion hazards if damaged or overcharged, particularly when lacking safeguards like trickle charging systems found in more sophisticated devices. To prevent potential thermal runaway incidents, Emirates now prohibits the use of power banks during flights, requiring them to be stored in accessible cabin locations so crew can respond quickly in emergencies. This measure reinforces the airline’s ongoing commitment to safety for both passengers and staff.