Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Emirates has decided to change its rules for passengers carrying power banks. From 1 October 2025, passengers will not be allowed to use any kind of power bank while onboard an Emirates flight. A power bank is a portable battery that stores electricity and can be used to charge mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and other devices. Although passengers will still be allowed to carry one power bank with them, they will not be able to use it during the flight. This means no charging devices from the power bank and no charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply.
Carrying Power Banks Will Still Be Allowed with Conditions
Emirates will not completely ban passengers from bringing power banks on board, but there will be strict rules. Each passenger may carry only one power bank. The device must have a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours, and the exact capacity should be clearly printed on the device. If the power bank does not have capacity information, it will not be accepted for transport. These conditions ensure that only safe and manageable power banks are carried in the cabin.
New Onboard Storage Rules for Power Banks
Under the new regulations, power banks must be kept in specific locations during the flight. They cannot be placed in the overhead luggage bins. Instead, passengers will have to keep them in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front. This change is designed to ensure that the cabin crew can access the device quickly in case of any problem. Power banks are still not allowed in checked baggage, a rule that already existed before this update.
No Charging Devices or Power Banks During the Flight
The main focus of the new rule is that no charging activity will be allowed involving power banks during the flight. Passengers will not be able to use power banks to charge their personal devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets. Similarly, they cannot connect their power banks to the aircraft’s charging sockets to recharge them. This restriction is intended to completely remove the possibility of overheating or fire caused by charging power banks in the air.
Reason for the New Policy
Emirates explained that the decision was made after a detailed safety review. The airline noticed a significant increase in the number of passengers using power banks in recent years. This trend has also been seen across the global aviation industry. Alongside this growth, there have been more reported incidents involving lithium battery devices onboard flights. Although such incidents are rare, they can be dangerous in an enclosed environment like an aircraft cabin. Emirates wants to take proactive measures to reduce such risks.
Understanding the Risk of Lithium Batteries
Power banks usually contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These batteries store and release energy by moving lithium ions between two electrodes through an electrolyte solution. In normal use, this process is safe. However, if the battery is damaged, overcharged, or faulty, it can experience a dangerous situation known as thermal runaway. In this condition, heat builds up inside the battery faster than it can escape. This rapid heating can cause the battery to catch fire, explode, or release harmful gases.
Why Power Banks Can Be More Dangerous
Many high-quality devices like modern smartphones have internal systems to prevent overcharging. These systems stop the battery from taking in more current once it is full, greatly reducing the risk of overheating. Unfortunately, some cheaper or basic power banks do not have such protection. This means they can continue to draw power even when fully charged, increasing the risk of thermal runaway. Since power banks are often kept in bags or pockets, any overheating can quickly become a safety hazard.
Emirates’ Steps to Minimise Risk
By banning the in-flight use of power banks, Emirates aims to remove one of the main causes of battery overheating during flights—continuous charging. Keeping power banks in the seat pocket or under the seat, rather than in the overhead bin, ensures that they are easy to reach if a problem occurs. In case of overheating, the crew can quickly isolate the power bank and take steps to put out any fire before it spreads.
Safety as a Core Airline Value
Emirates has always placed safety at the heart of its operations. The airline regularly reviews its rules and procedures to ensure that passengers and crew remain safe. This new rule on power banks reflects its proactive approach to identifying risks and preventing problems before they happen. By making these changes, Emirates is showing that passenger safety is more important than in-flight convenience.
Emirates’ Position in the Aviation Industry
Many airlines already have some restrictions on carrying power banks, particularly in checked baggage. However, Emirates’ complete ban on in-flight use goes a step further. This makes the airline one of the more cautious carriers in the industry regarding lithium battery safety. The decision shows that Emirates is willing to set stricter standards than many of its competitors to ensure safe flights for all passengers.
Clear Summary of the New Rules
From 1 October 2025, passengers flying with Emirates must follow these guidelines regarding power banks: only one per passenger is allowed, the capacity must be under 100 watt-hours, and the device must have capacity information displayed. Power banks cannot be used to charge personal devices during the flight, and they cannot be charged from the aircraft’s power sockets. They must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat and never in the overhead bin. They remain banned in checked baggage.
The Main Purpose Behind the Rule
The main aim of the new power bank policy is to protect everyone on board. While the chances of a fire or explosion are small, the enclosed space of an aircraft makes even a small fire dangerous. With this rule, Emirates reduces the risk and ensures that if something does go wrong, the crew can deal with it quickly. The decision shows a balance between allowing passengers to carry essential devices and ensuring that they are carried in the safest way possible.
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