Starting October 1, Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks during flights, though passengers may still bring them onboard if not connected to the aircraft’s power source or used to charge other devices.
This decision aligns with industry-wide safety concerns about batteries on planes. The Khaleej Times reports expert opinions on the potential risks of power banks in flight.
Emirates is not the first to enforce such a measure; similar restrictions exist with other UAE and international airlines. Here’s a detailed look at the different airline policies on power banks.
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Etihad Airways
Etihad permits power banks in cabin baggage if they are individually wrapped or protected.
Power banks up to 100Wh are allowed; those between 100Wh and 160Wh might need approval. Passengers should contact the airline for more information.
While carrying is allowed, using power banks onboard is strictly forbidden, including charging them or using them to charge other devices.
Flydubai
Flydubai allows power banks in hand baggage but prohibits their use onboard for charging devices or recharging the power bank itself.
Power banks should be under 100Wh, but those between 100Wh and 160Wh are permitted. Power banks over 160Wh are banned.
Power banks must be packaged to prevent accidental activation, kept switched off, and stored under the seat in front.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia permits power banks in hand luggage but not in checked baggage due to safety rules.
It’s advisable to check at the airport or call ahead to ensure your power bank meets the airline’s lithium battery capacity standards.
Non-UAE based airlines
Air India
Air India treats power banks as spare batteries and requires them to be individually packed to prevent short circuits.
Passengers can carry up to 2 spare batteries, interpreted as 2 power banks.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways classifies any power-supplying device as a battery, including power banks with additional features.
Power banks under 100Wh can be carried without approval, while those above 100Wh and below 160Wh need airline authorization.
Power banks over 160Wh must be transported as “Air cargo” per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary Scoot banned power bank use on flights from April 1, but allow carrying them in cabin baggage if under 100Wh.
Power banks above 100Wh up to 160Wh require airline approval before the flight.
