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From October 1, 2025, Emirates Airlines has announced a ban on the use of power banks during flights, a move aimed at strengthening safety protocols and reducing risks associated with lithium batteries. While passengers are still allowed to carry power banks in cabin baggage, these devices must remain switched off for the entire duration of the journey.

This new policy makes Emirates one of the first major international airlines to impose such strict restrictions, highlighting the growing concerns around battery-related incidents in aviation.

Why Has Emirates Banned Power Banks in Flights?

Power banks, also known as portable chargers, are among the most common travel accessories today. With passengers depending heavily on smartphones, tablets, and other electronics, power banks are often considered essential for long flights.

However, these devices rely on lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can pose a fire hazard if damaged, overheated, or improperly handled. In recent years, aviation authorities worldwide have reported a rising number of battery-related incidents, such as smoke, sparks, or small fires inside aircraft cabins.

Emirates stated that its decision was made after a comprehensive safety review. The airline emphasized that banning the use of power banks while onboard is a preventive measure to reduce the chances of overheating or malfunctioning during flights.

What Does the New Rule Say?

Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates passengers must follow these new rules:

• ✅ Allowed in cabin baggage: Each passenger can carry one power bank up to 100 watt-hours (Wh).

• ❌ Must remain off: The power bank must remain switched off for the entire flight.

• ❌ No in-flight charging: Passengers cannot use power banks to charge devices during the journey.

• ❌ No recharging of power banks: Power banks cannot be recharged using in-seat outlets.

• ✅ Storage rules: Accepted power banks must have visible capacity ratings and must be kept in the seat pocket or under the seat ahead, not in overhead bins.

Emirates has clarified that all of its aircraft are already equipped with USB and power outlets, ensuring passengers can still charge devices safely during travel. However, travellers are advised to fully charge their devices before boarding, especially for long-haul flights.

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What Do Global Aviation Rules Say?

Emirates’ new rule is stricter compared to international aviation standards. Organizations like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), TSA (Transportation Security Administration), CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority), and IATA (International Air Transport Association) already regulate the carriage of spare batteries and power banks.

Here’s a breakdown of the global standards:

• Power banks must be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage.

• Power banks below 100Wh (around 27,000mAh) are generally allowed without prior approval.

• Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh are allowed with airline approval (usually a maximum of 2 per passenger).

• Power banks above 160Wh are strictly banned from flights.

• Up to 20 spare batteries/power banks below 100Wh are permitted under IATA rules.

While most airlines allow in-flight use of power banks to charge devices, Emirates has taken the unusual step of banning their use entirely.

Emirates vs Other Airlines: Power Bank Rules

Here’s a comparison table showing Emirates’ new restrictions alongside policies from other major airlines:

From this table, it’s clear that Emirates has gone beyond the global norm, becoming one of the only airlines to completely ban in-flight use of power banks.

Why Emirates’ Move Matters

1. Passenger Safety First: Emirates is prioritizing safety over convenience, ensuring no battery-related mishaps occur mid-air.

2. Standard Setting: This move could influence other airlines to review and tighten their policies regarding battery-operated devices.

3. Passenger Awareness: It forces travellers to plan ahead, charging devices fully before flights and relying more on in-seat outlets.

What Should Passengers Do Before Flying with Emirates?

If you’re flying with Emirates from October 2025 onward, here are a few important tips:

• ✅ Check power bank capacity: Ensure it is under 100Wh (usually written on the device).

• ✅ Keep it handy: Carry it in cabin baggage, but store it under the seat or in the seat pocket.

• ❌ Do not use it during flight: The power bank must stay off.

• ✅ Charge devices in advance: Fully charge your phone, tablet, and laptop before boarding.

• ✅ Use in-seat charging: Take advantage of Emirates’ onboard charging ports for long flights.

Conclusion

Emirates’ ban on using power banks in flights marks a significant shift in airline safety protocols. While it may be inconvenient for passengers used to charging their phones mid-flight, the airline believes this step will minimise the risk of fire hazards caused by lithium batteries.

This bold move highlights how airlines are evolving safety standards in response to rising technology usage and growing passenger demand for portable power solutions. Whether other airlines will follow Emirates’ lead remains to be seen, but travellers must now adapt their habits when flying with the Dubai-based carrier.

As the aviation industry balances safety and convenience, Emirates has chosen safety above all, setting a new benchmark for battery-related regulations in the skies.