Emirates to ban use of power banks onboard flights starting October 10

Emirates has announced a new safety regulation prohibiting the use of power banks on its flights starting October 10, citing the rising number of lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry in recent years.

Passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank onboard, provided it meets strict conditions. However, they will no longer be permitted to use the device to charge personal electronics or charge the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply, Caliber.Az reports, citing the airline.

In an official statement, the UAE-based airline explained the rationale behind the move: "New regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft."

The airline further noted that power banks must be stored in easily accessible locations within the cabin for safety reasons. "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," the statement added.

Under the updated policy, passengers may carry one power bank provided the following criteria are met:

The capacity must be under 100 watt hours

It may not be used to charge personal devices onboard

It may not be charged using the aircraft’s power supply

The capacity rating must be clearly visible or available

It must not be stored in overhead bins, but rather in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of the passenger

It cannot be packed in checked-in luggage under any circumstances

A power bank is a portable battery typically used to recharge devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. However, their lithium-ion cells can pose a significant fire hazard if damaged, overcharged, or improperly stored.

In January, a fire that engulfed a passenger aircraft in South Africa was reportedly caused by a power bank, prompting fresh scrutiny over how these devices are managed in-flight.

According to experts, a malfunctioning power bank can result in a rapid and uncontrollable rise in temperature, potentially leading to fire, explosion, or the release of toxic gas—a risk aviation authorities globally are increasingly working to mitigate.

By Vafa Guliyeva