Emirates introduces new rules on in-flight power banks
As of tomorrow, 1 October 2025, the use of any type of power bank on board Emirates flights is prohibited. The company offers in-seat charging of aircraft, however, it still recommends that you fully charge your devices before flying, especially on long-duration flights.
A "power bank" is a portable, rechargeable device that is primarily designed to power other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Emirates passengers may still bring a power bank on board, subject to the specific conditions listed below, but they cannot be used in the cabin, either to charge devices via the power bank, or to charge themselves via the aircraft's power source.
Emirates rules for power banks on board:
- Emirates customers can bring a power bank with a power rating of less than 100 Watt-hours.
- It is not allowed to use power banks to charge personal devices on board.
- It is not allowed to charge a power bank using aircraft power.
- All power banks accepted for carriage must have information on the rated capacity available.
- Power banks cannot be stored in the upper glove box on board the aircraft, but must be stored in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of the passenger.
- Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage (current rule).
Why is Emirates making this change?
After a safety review, Emirates banned the use of power banks during the flight, due to the increase in lithium battery-related accidents in the industry. The devices are still allowed in the cabin, but they must be stored in accessible places so that the crew can intervene quickly in case of emergency.
Lithium batteries, if overcharged or damaged, can experience "thermal runaway", with a risk of fire or explosion. Unlike smartphones and other advanced devices, many power banks do not have internal overload protection systems, increasing the chances of failure.
With these measures, Emirates aims to significantly reduce in-flight safety risks. Safety is one of Emirates' core values and a fundamental pillar of all operations, as we are committed to maintaining and continuously improving safety levels, protecting passengers and staff.
