Dubai-based megacarrier Emirates has enacted its power bank on board ban, first proposed earlier in 2025. Under the new rules, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, using any kind of power bank is prohibited on board all Emirates flights. The move comes after a string of airlines have already brought in their own bans, which have been expedited following an increasing number of incidents where power banks have either been suspected of, or actually caused, onboard fires.
A power bank (sometimes referred to as a battery pack or external power source) is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.
Under the new rules, Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard by following specific conditions. However, the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin, neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircraft’s power source.
Emirates issued a statement on September 30, 2025, reminding passengers of the impending ban and stating, “Emirates provides in-seat charging on all aircraft; however, it still recommends that customers fully charge their devices before flying, especially on longer duration flights.”
Under the new rules, the following specific conditions are being applied under the new power bank guidelines, as follows –
- Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours.
- Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard.
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.
- All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.
- Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Why is Emirates making this change?
After a comprehensive safety review, along with a string of high-profile events involving the process of thermal runaway causing power banks to overheat, Emirates has decided to take “a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard.
There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents on board flights across the wider aviation industry.”
More about thermal runaway in power banks
Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and their function is as a portable battery pack designed to recharge devices on the go. The batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution. The ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges.
However, if the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway.’ Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase. This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosion, and the release of toxic gases.
Most phones and sophisticated lithium battery-powered devices have an internal trickle system that slowly adds current into the battery to prevent overcharging, but many basic power banks may not have this safeguard, increasing the risk. All power banks, regardless of origin or brand, are now subject to the new rules on board all Emirates services.
Emirates says that the new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use on board the aircraft. “Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that, in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire,” said the airline’s statement.
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices. Emirates is committed to maintaining and improving levels of safety on an ongoing basis, safeguarding customers and staff at all times,” the statement concluded.
