Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates will ban the use of power banks during flights. Passengers can still bring one power bank under 100-watt hours (Wh), but it must not be used or charged while in the air. This action is driven by safety concerns after a rise in incidents linked to lithium batteries in the aviation sector.
Here are the main reasons for this decision:
1. Increase in battery incidents
Emirates’ safety review has shown a global rise in incidents involving lithium batteries.
“Following an extensive safety assessment, Emirates is committed to reducing risks associated with onboard power banks,” stated the airline. “The growing use of power banks by customers has led to an uptick in lithium battery incidents across the aviation industry.”
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2. Risk of ‘thermal runaway’
Lithium-ion or polymer cells in power banks can overheat if overcharged or damaged, causing a dangerous process called thermal runaway, which may lead to fires or explosions.
“Overcharging or damaging the battery can trigger ‘thermal runaway’, resulting in a rapid, uncontrollable temperature rise, with potential dangers like fires, explosions, and toxic gas emissions,” stated Emirates.
3. Lack of safety features in cheaper models
Many power banks lack trickle-charging systems, unlike advanced electronics, making them more prone to hazards.
“Power banks pose a significant fire risk due to their lithium-ion batteries, which have high energy density,” noted Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development, MENA at the NFPA, in a statement to Khaleej Times. “They can overheat, catch fire, or explode when exposed to physical or thermal stress.”
4. Quick response requirement
New rules mandate that power banks be stored in seat pockets or under seats, not in overhead bins, allowing crew to quickly address any overheating incidents.
“Emirates’ updated regulations will greatly reduce power bank-related risks by banning their use aboard aircraft,” the airline clarified. “Storing power banks in easily accessible locations ensures trained cabin crew can promptly respond to and extinguish any fires.”
5. Global industry trend
A Reuters report highlighted that, in 2024, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded an average of three lithium battery overheating incidents on aircraft every two weeks worldwide, a significant increase from less than one incident per week in 2018.
