When smoke began to emerge from the overhead compartment of an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon last week, it sparked panic among passengers. Videos captured the crew rushing to extinguish flames caused by what investigators confirmed as a lithium-battery fire. The plane was safely diverted to Shanghai, with no injuries reported, but the incident highlighted a recurring aviation concern: small devices can lead to significant fires mid-air.
This event has heightened global worries about lithium batteries and their packaging for flights. UAE airlines have already set stricter regulations in recent weeks.
IATA’s Safety Initiative
The occurrence happened shortly after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries’, a worldwide campaign focusing on the safe handling of devices powered by rechargeable batteries.
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“Lithium-powered devices are safe when managed correctly, but they pose risks if damaged or improperly packed,” stated Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security.
An IATA passenger survey revealed that 83% of travelers carry phones, 60% have laptops, and 44% bring power banks. Although 93% of travelers believe they understand the rules, half mistakenly think it’s permissible to pack small lithium-powered devices in checked luggage, and 45% incorrectly assume power banks can be stored in checked bags.
IATA, representing global airlines, noted that many passengers are unaware of how many everyday items contain lithium batteries.
“Beyond mobile phones and laptops, lithium batteries power numerous personal and travel items, such as tablets, e-readers, wireless headphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, portable speakers, power banks, handheld gaming consoles, and electronic styluses. They are also present in personal-care items like electric toothbrushes, shavers, and hair-straighteners, along with e-cigarettes, handheld fans, torches, medical devices like hearing aids and glucose monitors, and compact tools or gadgets like screwdrivers and laser pointers,” IATA highlighted.
UAE Airlines’ Requirements
Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai have prohibited the use of power banks on all flights starting October 1, 2025. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also strictly bans the use of power banks during flights, including charging devices or recharging power banks via aircraft power sockets.
For all three UAE airlines, the following rules apply:
• Only one power bank per passenger is allowed.
• It must be in hand luggage only, not checked baggage.
• Devices over 100 Wh are strictly banned, with the watt-hour rating clearly marked on the device.
• The power bank must be turned off and protected from short-circuit and unintended activation.
• Power banks cannot be placed in the overhead compartment and must be securely stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front for easy access and safety compliance.
Power Banks as Fire Hazards
According to Emirates, power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells that can overheat if overcharged or damaged, potentially triggering a self-sustaining thermal runaway, which may lead to fires or explosions.
As reported by Khaleej Times, safety experts have warned that thermal runaway can produce open flames exceeding 1,000 °C, posing a severe risk in the confined space of an aircraft cabin. One expert described power banks as a major fire hazard if damaged or mishandled during flights.
Best Practices for Safety
From smartphones to shavers, lithium batteries power devices essential for modern travel. However, as the Air China incident demonstrates, a single spark can transform routine flying into a safety crisis.
IATA outlines seven simple rules every traveler should follow:
• Pack light: Only bring necessary devices and batteries.
• Stay vigilant: Report any device that is hot, smoking, or damaged to crew or airport staff immediately.
• Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if permitted), and other battery-powered items in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
• Secure loose batteries: Store spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging or cover terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
• Gate check reminder: If hand luggage is taken at the gate for the aircraft hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
• Verify battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, like those in drones or power tools), consult your airline, as approval might be needed.
• Confirm airline policies: Always check your airline’s rules, as requirements may vary based on local regulations.
