Emirates Prohibits In-Flight Power Bank Usage Commencing October 1, 2025
Emirates Introduces New Power Bank Policy for Flight Safety
Effective October 1, 2025, Emirates Airlines will implement a new policy regarding the use of power banks onboard its flights, due to safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries.
Under the updated rules, passengers may carry only one power bank with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours in their carry-on baggage. However, these power banks cannot be used to charge devices or be charged during the flight. Instead, they must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, never in the overhead bins, and are not permitted in checked luggage.
The policy change is a response to safety concerns about fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. There have been recent incidents of power banks catching fire or emitting smoke inside aircraft cabins, prompting a comprehensive safety review. Lithium-ion batteries in power banks present a fire hazard due to overheating or damage potentially causing thermal runaway, leading to onboard fires.
Emirates aligns with a broader industry trend, as other major airlines like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Southwest have introduced similar restrictions to mitigate fire risks. The restrictions under this policy include:
- Only one power bank per passenger, under 100Wh, is allowed in carry-on luggage.
- Power banks cannot be used to charge devices during the flight.
- Power banks cannot be recharged using the aircraft's power outlets.
- Power banks must not be stored in overhead bins but instead under the seat or in the seat pocket.
- Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage to ensure immediate access by crew members if needed.
It's essential to note that the policy does not restrict the carriage of power banks with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or more. The policy also does not apply to power banks used for medical devices, subject to proper documentation and approval. Furthermore, the policy does not affect the use of personal electronic devices during flights.
This policy is part of Emirates' ongoing commitment to safety, given the severe consequences that lithium battery fires can cause onboard aircraft. The power bank's capacity must be clearly labeled, and the policy does not allow the power bank to be recharged from the aircraft's power supply during the flight.
The new policy applies to all flights operated by the Emirates from October 1, 2025. The policy change is a result of a comprehensive safety review prompted by an industry-wide increase in lithium battery-related incidents. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the updated policy before their flight.
[1] Emirates Press Release
[2] Singapore Airlines Press Release
[3] Lufthansa Press Release
[4] Southwest Airlines Press Release
- With the new power bank policy implemented by Emirates Airlines on October 1, 2025, passengers should prioritize carrying smaller gadgets like smartphones, as they can now only bring one power bank with a capacity less than 100 watt-hours in their carry-on baggage.
- With other major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Southwest already implementing similar restrictions, the use of technology, particularly power banks, on Emirates flights will be more limited in the future due to the safety concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries.
