Emirates bans power bank use on board, here’s what passengers should know about the new rule

Emirates has introduced new regulations regarding power banks on its flights, effective October 1, 2025. Use of any kind of power bank is prohibited on board Emirates’ flights.

Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions. However, the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircraft’s power source.

What are Emirates’ new rules? 

The Emirates’ new regulations include:        

1) Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 watt-hours.

2) Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard.

3) Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.

4) All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.
 
5) Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.

6) Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).

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Inflight safety

While passengers will still have access to in-seat charging ports on all aircraft, Emirates strongly advises travellers to fully charge their digital devices before departure — especially on long-haul flights where power needs can be high.

Why did Emirates make this change?

Emirates said that it is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks on board. 

The airline stated that it has observed a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents on board flights across the wider aviation industry.

These regulations aim to minimise risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires and thermal runaway incidents onboard flights.

What is thermal runaway?

Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase. This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases.

“Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire”, the airline said.

Emirates expects that the new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft.