Emirates to ban in-flight use of power banks from October 1

Emirates has announced that passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights, effective October 1, 2025. The airline will still permit customers to carry one power bank under specific conditions, but it cannot be used to charge personal devices or be charged from the aircraft’s power supply.

Under the new rules, passengers may carry only one power bank with a capacity below 100 Watt Hours. The device must have its capacity rating clearly marked, be stored in a seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front, and not in the overhead bin. Power banks will remain prohibited in checked baggage, in line with existing regulations.

Emirates said the changes follow a safety review prompted by a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry. Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat or catch fire if damaged or overcharged. The airline noted that some basic power banks lack protective mechanisms to prevent overcharging, increasing the risk of thermal runaway, a process where excessive heat triggers a chain reaction, potentially leading to fire or explosion.


By banning the use of power banks in the cabin, Emirates aims to reduce onboard risks and ensure that cabin crew can access and handle the device quickly if an incident occurs. The airline stressed that safety remains a core operational priority, with measures designed to protect both passengers and crew.