Emirates airline will ban passengers from carrying or using any type of power bank on board its flights starting October 1, 2025, citing safety concerns over lithium battery risks.
Until the ban takes effect, passengers may carry power banks only if they meet strict rules:
Capacity under 100 watt-hours
No charging of devices from the power bank during the flight
No charging of the power bank using the aircraft’s power supply
The airline’s decision follows a rise in incidents involving lithium batteries on flights worldwide. Power banks, which use lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries, can overheat due to a process called thermal runaway — when internal heat builds faster than it can be released. This can lead to fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases.
Unlike modern smartphones, most power banks lack overcharge protection, making them more vulnerable to dangerous failures. Aviation experts say banning them will significantly reduce onboard safety risks.
Emirates, consistently ranked among the world’s top airlines, joins a growing list of carriers imposing stricter rules on lithium-powered devices in a bid to enhance passenger safety.