Emirates is changing the way its passengers travel with gadgets. Beginning October 1, the airline will prohibit the use of power banks on all flights, citing a sharp rise in lithium battery incidents across the aviation industry.
Travelers will still be allowed to carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours, but the rules are strict: the device must be clearly labeled, can’t be used to charge phones or laptops in flight, and can’t itself be recharged from the aircraft’s outlets. It has to stay under the seat or in the seat pocket, never in checked bags or overhead bins.
The shift comes after safety reviews highlighted the growing risks of “thermal runaway” — when lithium batteries overheat and can catch fire or release toxic fumes. Power banks, especially cheaper models without built-in safeguards, have become a growing concern for airlines that operate in sealed cabins where response times are critical.
Emirates says the change is about prevention, not punishment. By keeping devices within reach, cabin crews can quickly react if a battery malfunctions. The move follows international aviation guidelines but takes them further, setting a single, clear policy across the airline’s global network.
Other Gulf carriers have similar rules. Etihad bans in-flight charging as well but allows up to 10 spare batteries in hand luggage. FlyDubai permits higher capacities (up to 160Wh) though power banks still can’t be used during flights. Air Arabia enforces the same “no charging” rule and limits storage to under-seat areas.
For passengers, the ban may feel like an inconvenience, especially on long-haul flights where outlets are scarce, but Emirates is betting that safety concerns will outweigh the hassle. The airline has already banned items like hoverboards and smart luggage for the same reason.
Lithium batteries power nearly every portable device we travel with, from phones to e-cigs to cameras. But at 35,000 feet, with nowhere to go if something sparks, the stakes are higher. Emirates’ latest policy is a reminder that in aviation, even the smallest accessory can become a big risk.
Source: Aviationa2z