Emirates will prohibit the use and charging of power banks on all its flights starting Oct. 1, citing growing safety concerns over lithium battery incidents in aviation.
The Dubai-based carrier said passengers may still carry one power bank in their hand luggage, provided it is under 100 watt-hours and clearly labeled. However, the device must be stored in an accessible place, such as a seat pocket or under the seat, and may not be kept in overhead bins. Power banks remain banned from checked baggage.
“From Oct. 1, using or charging a power bank on board Emirates flights will no longer be permitted,” the airline said in a travel update. “Customers can still carry one power bank on board, and it must be in cabin baggage.”
Lithium batteries, commonly used in power banks, are vulnerable to overheating and a process known as thermal runaway, which can lead to fires or explosions. Emirates said the changes follow a safety review and reflect the increasing number of in-flight incidents worldwide involving portable chargers.
Other carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, already restrict or prohibit the use of power banks in flight. Aviation regulators in the United States and Europe have also flagged rising risks associated with lithium battery devices, citing several incidents where chargers ignited or produced smoke in aircraft cabins.
Emirates said the new measures aim to ensure crew can respond quickly in case of an emergency involving a power bank. Passengers are advised to fully charge devices before travel or use the airline’s in-seat power outlets when available.