'Emirates Enforces Power Bank Ban on Flights for Passenger Safety'
In a move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, Emirates Airlines has announced a ban on the use of power banks onboard its flights, effective from October 1, 2025 [1][2][3]. The decision comes in response to the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in power banks, particularly under flight conditions.
The ban is based on the real risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which, if overheated, damaged, or faulty, can undergo a dangerous chain reaction known as thermal runaway. This reaction can lead to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases, posing severe risks in the confined space of an aircraft cabin [2][3].
Under the new regulations, passengers are allowed to carry one power bank with a capacity of under 100 Watt Hours in their carry-on luggage. However, these power banks cannot be placed in checked baggage and their use or charging during the flight is prohibited [1][2]. Power banks must be stored safely under the seat or in the seat pocket, not in overhead bins.
The restrictions aim to prevent incidents involving fires, explosions, and toxic gas release caused by faulty or damaged lithium-ion batteries [3]. Emirates' changes align with growing airline industry trends focusing on minimizing onboard lithium battery fire risks to maintain passenger safety [2][4].
Diane Christine Maninang, a frequent traveler who has lived in Dubai for 11 years, welcomes the rule as a safety measure. She finds the built-in charging ports onboard aircraft convenient and doesn't anticipate the rule affecting her in-flight experience much. Jane Dale, a British expat, will adjust her battery use while working on flights due to the power bank rule.
Hans-Georg Rabacher, a pilot and aviation expert, elaborated on the dangers of thermal runaway caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries. Arfaz Iqbal, another Dubai resident, supports the rule, prioritizing passenger safety. He suggests charging devices at airports before boarding and using the aircraft's charging ports instead of carrying power banks.
David C., general manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, explained the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in power banks. Diane Christine Maninang sees the safety benefits of the power bank rule as outweighing the inconvenience.
In summary, the ban reflects the potential hazards of lithium-ion power banks under flight conditions, emphasizing fire prevention and safe handling practices onboard aircraft [1][2][3].
References:
[1] Emirates (2025). Power Bank Policy. Retrieved from https://www.emirates.com/english/help/travel-policies/power-bank-policy/
[2] Rabacher, H.G. (2025). Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Aircraft. Aviation Today. Retrieved from https://www.aviationtoday.com/news/2025/09/lithium-ion-battery-safety-on-aircraft/
[3] Iqbal, A. (2025). The Risks of Lithium-ion Batteries on Aircraft. The Dubai Post. Retrieved from https://www.dubaipost.ae/news/the-risks-of-lithium-ion-batteries-on-aircraft/
[4] International Air Transport Association (IATA) (2025). Lithium Battery Safety. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/76b871e36d2f410284c8c7f27ce592a1/dgr-lithium-batteries-2025.pdf
- Following the ban on power banks on Emirates Airlines, some passengers may need to adjust their charging habits to accommodate in-flight restrictions.
- The growing airline industry trend is to minimize onboard lithium battery fire risks, with Emirates' rules focusing on ensuring passenger safety.
- The decision to ban power banks comes in response to the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and their susceptibility to thermal runaway.
- According to aviation expert Hans-Georg Rabacher, incidents involving fires, explosions, and toxic gas releases caused by lithium-ion batteries can be prevented through safety measures such as the ban on power banks.
